A DECISION on whether a council is to prosecute the owner of the shop that was at the centre of a major food poisoning outbreak is expected within days.

Salmonella infected at least 88 people during the summer. A recent report by the multi-agency Outbreak Control team that tackled the outbreak identified Robson's Fresh Foods in Stanley, as the only possible source.

The pie shop has been closed since the first cases were reported at the end of July.

Environmental Health officers at Derwentside District Council are still compiling evidence before deciding on whether to proceed with court action against store owner Michelle Robson.

A statement issued on behalf of the council's legal services said: "Derwentside District Council can confirm that it is prioritising and thoroughly reviewing this situation by gathering and assessing all evidence available, at this time.

"All options will be considered with the safety of the general public being paramount.

The statement added: "Although we cannot put time parameters on this, we do hope to have concluded our investigations and identified an appropriate course of action as soon as possible."