A RESTAURANT has been shut down after inspectors found it was infested with rats.

Deliciosa tapas bar and restaurant on Gerard Street in Ashton, was immediately closed after environmental health officers found evidence of rat infestation. The inspectors discovered rat droppings on cooking equipment, including in a tray filled with utensils and an onion which had been gnawed by the rats. The eatery was closed last Thursday after being served with a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice.

The Council applied for a Court Order to support the actions which magistrates approved today (May 7). The business has now been served with a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order and is prevented from serving food to the public.

Alan Blundell, Wigan's assistant director of regulation, said: “Environmental health officers work closely with food businesses to make sure they are serving high quality food in excellent conditions. The vast majority of these businesses have extremely high standards and work hard to make sure they provide their customers with an enjoyable dining experience.

“Unfortunately, our inspectors found this wasn’t the case at Deliciosa tapas bar and restaurant, which is why they immediately served a notice to prevent them from serving food to the public. I am pleased the court has supported our actions.”

Deliciosa tapas bar and restaurant will remain closed while the environmental health officers work with the business to address the issues and improve standards.