Shop in mice scare allowed to sell food
A newsagents where mice were found to have gnawed through biscuits and bags of sweets has now been given a clean bill of health.
West End Wines in Rugeley was ordered to stop selling food after being given an hygiene emergency prohibition notice on Monday. As well as a "strong greasy odour" inspectors also found mice droppings and evidence that the rodents had eaten Rich Tea biscuits, Jelly Tots and peanuts. But a court yesterday heard the shop had cleaned up its act.
Cannock Magistrates heard yesterday how the Anson Street shop had now improved and was allowed to sell hot and cold food again. As well as pre-packaged foods, it was offering hot food such as bacon, eggs and sandwiches prior to the routine inspection.
During the court hearing, Cannock Chase Council food hygiene inspectors explained how they had been working with owner Lawrence Duckhouse to improve the shop.
Natalie Barrow, environmental health officer, explained to the court that a pest control contractor had worked with Mr Duckhouse since the closure and the mice had been caught and the premises had been well-cleaned.
Magistrates found the council to have been right to have served the emergency notice but also declared that no further action was needed.
Mr Duckworth said today he had a monthly contract with a pest controller to visit the premises.
He said it was an old building and, as the weather had got colder, the mice had sought shelter.
Miss Barrow said officers inspected the store on Monday and found mouse droppings on the shop floor and in the rear kitchen where food was prepared, where she had also noticed there was a "strong greasy odour".
