A NEWPORT restaurant which had a rodent infestation has been awarded a score of zero on the food hygiene rating scheme.

After Newport City Council’s food safety carried out an inspection on September 27, New Delhi, in Caerleon Road, had to cease trading until the infestation was brought under control.

The owner of the restaurant has said that he has learned a lesson from the incident and that, from now on, he will do his best to keep the restaurant clean.

A Newport City Council spokeswoman said: “Newport City Council’s food safety team carried out an inspection of the New Delhi food premises on September 27, 2016 and evidence of a rodent infestation was found.

“As a result, a notice was served requiring the business to stop trading until the infestation was brought under control.

“Officers revisited the premises on October 3 and were satisfied the infestation had been properly dealt with.

“The premises were allowed to open but were awarded a score of zero on the food hygiene rating scheme, meaning urgent improvement is necessary.”

The spokeswoman said that the operator of the New Delhi restaurant has since submitted an application to have the business re-inspected, which will be carried out within the next three months.

She said that, in the meantime, the premises will be subject to further follow up visits by environmental health officers to ensure standards are being improved.

The owner of the restaurant, Duldul Miah, said: “Because I had personal problems, I was depressed and didn’t do a proper job and checked everything.

“I had to close the restaurant and, when they came, they said they were surprised and very happy with my improvements.

“I’m currently waiting for a re-visit and I hope I’ll get a hygiene rating of four. There are no rats anymore and it’s 100 per cent under control.

“I keep my restaurant clean and I’m sorry about what happened. I made a mistake.

“I’ve learnt a big lesson from this and, from now on, I’ll do my best to keep the restaurant clean.”