Rat infestation forces store closure

A Birmingham off licence was so overrun with rats it was forced to close for a couple of days, a court heard.

Environmental Health officers carried out a routine inspection Oakhurst News Express, in Oakhurst Road, on October 7 and found rat droppings, blood and gnawed food packages across the premises.

It was deemed there was an imminent risk to public health and a hygiene emergency prohibition notice was served on the premises.

Officers from Birmingham City Council re-inspected the store on Friday, October 9 and discovered issues had been rectified and there was no longer a risk to public health.

At a hearing on Friday, October 9, Birmingham Magistrates Court was told there was evidence of rat activity throughout the premises.

Inspectors discovered blood believed to be from a rat on shelving next to gnawed food packages, leading to concerns blood may have got inside.

Rat droppings and urine was also found next to food packages, inside an empty packet of flour, on the floor and under a tray next to the fridge.

Officers found food packages with teeth marks on them as well as evidence that rats were forming a nest with materials including paper.

Magistrates were told rat traps were discovered in the store, showing the owners were aware of the problem.

A hygiene emergency protection notice was served on business operator Abdul Hashmi on the same day.

Following a re-inspection, officers found treatment of the pest infestation has been undertaken and the premises have been cleaned.

They have been advised to seal holes which had allowed the ingress of rats and environmental health officers concluded there is no longer a risk of public health.

Birmingham magistrates said they were satisfied the notice had been served correctly at the time of the offence but that appropriate action has been taken by the owner to correct the issues.

By Gurdip Thandi | Local Democracy Reporting Service