The owners of a Wordsley takeaway have been ordered to pay costs and fines of more than £5,000 after the business was affected by mice and a string of hygiene failings.

Droppings were found in the food store at Wordsley Tandoori when Dudley Council inspected the business in September last year.

Environmental health officers said director, Sulak Ahmed had failed to keep the premises and equipment clean. There were holes in the floor and door of the external food storeroom and evidence of mice droppings. Officers also said the owners had failed to train staff in food hygiene.

Mr Ahmed admitted five charges under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 when the case was heard at Dudley magistrates on October 6. Magistrates fined him £246 and ordered him to pay £1,735 costs as well as £34 victim surcharge. Magistrates also fined the business £3,667 and £190 victim surcharge.

The Lawnswood Road business has since resolved the issues and bosses have cleaned and repaired the property. It is now rated four out of five for food hygiene. Councillor Ian Bevan, cabinet member for public health, said:

"We work very hard to protect people when they are eating out by ensuring all food businesses abide by the law. If they don’t, they will be prosecuted.

"Thankfully, the vast majority of businesses want to work with us to uphold the highest standards when selling food to the public and I am pleased this business has made every effort to turn things around."

For more information on food hygiene ratings visit dudley.gov.uk.