More stomach-churning images reveal the filthy conditions inside a Wirral takeaway before it was forced to close.
The photos show nine cockroaches in one trap above a fridge and mouse droppings in the kitchen as well as a cockroach egg casing in the staff bathroom. Others show a mouse dropping near exposed eggs and another cockroach in another trap
They were taken by Wirral Council during a health inspection in February to Saffron Indian Takeaway on Borough Road in Birkenhead. The business isn’t currently trading.
READ MORE: Stalker advertised ex-girlfriend on swinging website after bedsheet proposal
They formed part of the evidence presented to Wirral Magistrates Court where the local authority was seeking an emergency order to close the takeaway. This was granted by the court.
While more recent visits had seen the takeaway cleaned, lawyers for the council said this was not enough and still wanted action to be taken.
Saffron said it was doing all it could do to eradicate the pests but was told to pay £2,204.64 in costs to Wirral Council in legal and environmental health costs.
Cllr Helen Cameron, Chair of the Tourism, Communities, Culture & Leisure Committee for Wirral Council said: “I hope this action serves as a reminder to all businesses that prepare and serve food to Wirral’s residents and visitors that the highest possible standards of safety, hygiene and management are demanded - and when those standards become unacceptable, action will be taken.
“It should also provide reassurance to customers that inspections of all food premises are carried out by suitably qualified and experienced environmental health officers; they are not just a ‘tick-box’ exercise.
Cllr Cameron said: "Enforcement action is a last resort – officers will usually give advice and a chance for proprietors to put things right before taking action.
“However, when serious issues persist and owners are not able or willing to address them properly, they can – and will - be prohibited from operating and serving food in order to protect the public.”
READ NEXT:
Doorman 'snapped' and left racist drinker with serious injuries after vile abuse
Updates as police close off coastal road in both directions
Abusive partner 'laughed incessantly' in court as woman described pain he caused her
Mum loses nose after doctors thought she had sinusitis
First look at the new Ninja Speedi air fryer that cooks a healthy meal in 15 minutes
