Mouse infestation found in shop shut by Council

Liverpool City Council shut down a shop in Tuebrook after officers discovered a mouse infestation and on-sale items that had been gnawed by the rodents.

Environmental Health Officers from the Council first visited L6 Continental, a retail convenience store on West Derby Road, on Wednesday 11 February after receiving reports of mouse activity.

During the inspection, they found clear and concerning signs of inadequate pest control. Mouse droppings were found throughout the shop, including on the display shelving units storing food and the floor. Numerous dead mice were found on glue boards, while officers also spotted a live mouse in the shop.

The business operator voluntarily closed the premises because of the issues – but they were found to be trading again just two days later, in breach of the voluntary closure notice.

When re-visiting L6 Continental on Friday 13 February, officers noted that ready-to-eat foods including crisps, nuts and biscuits showed signs of being gnawed by mice.

After spotting further evidence, including faeces and urine-covered display units, officers served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice.

The notice immediately shut the shop, and was presented because of the ‘imminent risk to health’ caused by the unhygienic conditions.

A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order was granted at a Liverpool and Knowsley Magistrates Court hearing on Wednesday 25 February.

Liverpool City Council was awarded costs of £3,220, to be paid by the business operator.

The shop was also awarded the lowest food hygiene rating of zero – but has subsequently been allowed to reopen after a re-inspection by Liverpool City Council officers found that significant improvements had been made.

The public can check the food hygiene rating of most food business in Liverpool by visiting www.food.gov.uk/ratings.