THE Crispy Cod takeaway in Eccleston has been given a zero food hygiene rating.

The rankings, which are listed on the Food Standards Agency’s website, stated that the Knowsley Road venue received the lowest possible result of 0 food hygiene rating, the only one in the borough to have such a score for 2019.

The rating on the Food Standards Agency website stated that the takeaway needs to make major improvements in hygenic food handling and urgent improvements are needed in the management of food safety.

An inspection also ruled improvements are necessary in the cleanliness and condition of the facilities and building.

Commenting on the rating, Crispy Cod manager Kevin Konnelly, said: "There were building issues that have now been rectified and the inspector is due to come back and see that we have carried out the work required and replaced equipment but he is on leave.

"We look forward to letting people know when a new report is done and get a new rating."

Meanwhile, 34 venues received top marks from the FSA in 2019, after being given the highest mark, five, this year.

This means they got the best results in cleanliness and food preparation by inspectors.

These are:

Greggs on Higher Parr Street

Mersey Valley Golf and Country Club Ltd on Warrington Road, Bold Heath

Waterfields on Warrington Road, Rainhill

Blackbrook Recreation & Social on Boardmans Lane

Blackburn's on Cambridge Road

Park Road Cafe

Superbowl UK St Helens

The Boat House on Garswood Old Road

Cork and Dough on Ormskirk Street

The Dean on Barrow Street

Byroney's Bistro on George Street

Sefton Arms on Baldwin Street

Boat House Tea Rooms in Taylor Park

Jubilee Barracks on Prescot Road

Sutton Cricket & Tennis Club on New Street

Tanan's Fish & Chips on Westfield Street

The Glass House on Market Street

The Living Well Cafe on Borough Road

Yum Thai Delight on Baldwin Street

Clock Face Hotel on Clock Face Road

Elm Tree House on Newton-le-Willows

Haydock Park Racecourse

Haydock Supper Bar on West End Road

Pit Stop Deli on Clipsley Lane

Rainford Civic Hall on Church Road

Bella Pizza on Cambridge Road

The News Room on Duke Street

Royal Tavern on Westfield Street

Capstone Cafe in St Helens Baptist Church

McDonalds on Church Street

Playdays Cafe on Central Street

East Sutton Labour Club on Ellen Street

Food for Thought on St Helens Church Hall

Ba'Bursi Restaurant on George Street

***These businesses have been given their rating this year and those given ratings in past years are not featured in this list.

To search for ratings visit ratings.food.gov.uk.