Dirty takeaway not '˜cleaned for months'

The owner of the Dixyland takeaway on Topping Street Suthagaran Subramaniam, 43, who lives at the premises admitted five offences brought under Food Hygiene and Safety Legislation.

He admitted failing to keep the shop clean and in good repair, having proper pest control measures, having a risk of food contamination and having a staff washing area without soap.

He also admitted having a Food Rating certificate on the wall giving the Dixyland a four star rating when in fact the last rating was just two stars.

Lynda Bennett, prosecuting for Blackpool Council, said the defendant had owned the premises since 2008.

Council officers visited the premises an issues warning notices to get improvement work done.

The prosecutor said: “They found the premises were dirty. The plaster and some tiles were cracked and paint was flaking.

“Equipment was rusty and there was no soap at the handbasin.”

Officers re-visted Dixyland to see if the work had been completed.

They completed a second examination of Dixyland and found raw chicken stored on the floor of a fridge.

They also found cracked containers which posed a contamination risk and said the prosecutor: “There were some areas which hadn’t been cleaned for months.

“There was also no cover over the letterbox which provided a pest risk,” she added.

Hugh Pond, defending, said that in the past his client had always reacted quickly to warning notices.

Mr Pond said: “The owner had to go to London for three weeks and left instructions with a then member of his staff to do what had to be done. Unfortunately the work was not done.

“It has now been done and new equipment has been bought.”

The defendant was fined £600.

He must also pay £20 victim’s surcharge and £350 prosecution costs.