'Positive' results in hygiene checks

Food-related businesses which failed strict hygiene regulations in Telford have now made big improvements after a fresh inspection by environmental health officers.

The officers from Telford & Wrekin Council revisited three premises given between zero and one star to see if they had taken action to remedy concerns highlighted at inspections. Their findings were described as "a very positive outcome".

Woodcote Nursing Home in Woodcote, near Newport, Abacus Day Nursery in St Mary's Street, Newport, and Scusi's Restaurant in Sherwood Street, Tel-ford, had all achieved below the standards required for hygiene.

But the council said the premises were all now compliant with the law.

Councillor Jacqui Seymour, cabinet member for adult and consumer care, said: "This is a very positive outcome from a scheme that has been running a relatively short time.

"The purpose of us setting up this innovative service was to drive up standards in hygiene and give people valuable information on which to base their decisions from where they eat and buy food."

Scores on the Doors is the first scheme of its kind in Shropshire. It aims to improve standards of food hygiene across Telford & Wrekin, and give people the chance to make an informed choice about where they eat and buy food.

Food businesses in the borough, including pubs, restaurants, take-aways, private caterers, care homes and school kitchens are inspected by the council's environmental health officers and given a star rating, which is then published on the council's website at www.telford.gov.uk/scoresonthedoors

Every business visited is also given a certificate which they can choose to display.

Premises with the highest standards in food hygiene and safety, structure and confidence in management get five stars, while those with the lowest are awarded zero stars.

Premises revisited by Telford & Wrekin Council environmental health officers were:

• Abacus Day Nursery in St Mary's Street, Newport, which went from a one star rating to three stars.

• Scusi's Restaurant in Sherwood Street, Telford Town Centre, formerly Sidoli's, which went from a zero star to two stars.

• Woodcote Nursing Home in Woodcote, near Newport, which went from zero stars to two stars.

By Lisa Rowley