A COUNTY Durham pizza and kebab shop was told it must make "urgent improvements" after being given the worst possible hygiene rating.

The Siciliano takeaway on Darlington Road in Ferryhill was given a zero star hygiene rating after a damning inspection revealed problems with rodents on September 10.

The takeaway has since been approached for comment, while the local authority has said a re-visit found "significant" improvements had been made.

Read more: Why Tomahawk in Acklam Hall in Middlesbrough got ONE STAR hygiene rating

A report obtained by The Northern Echo found the owners of the takeaway were provided pest control advice following the poor inspection, earlier this year.

Much of the details have been redacted for data protection, however the report suggested there had been a complaint over "rodent activity."

The report, which is listed as a revisit, said the business should take steps ensure expanding foam is replaced with cement filler to "prevent access" by rodents.

Meanwhile, it noted a deep clean had been undertaken following the concerns as it said "some" further structural issues raised had been "actioned."

The initial inspection raised concerns across all three key categories, which include how food is handled, cleanliness and condition of facilities, and management of food safety.

It also said how major improvements were needed when it came to the cleanliness and condition of facilities, and the management of food safety.

In response, Joanne Waller, Durham County Council’s head of community protection, said a pest control company had made visits to the takeaway.

She said: “Following the initial inspection in September, a revisit to the premises found that the business owner had made significant improvements.

"This included thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the premises and making several structural improvements, and a pest control company had also been employed to carry out visits.

“Following these works, the owner has requested a rescore under the Food Hygiene Rating scheme and we will be carrying out a further unannounced visit.”

Sicilianos has been approached for comment.

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