AN INDIAN restaurant and takeaway in Newport which was given a zero hygiene rating after a rodent infestation has been fined £33,240.

Owner of the New Delhi in Caerleon Road, which is now closed, Duldul Miah and his company Doleshori Ltd appeared at Cwmbran Magistrates Court on Monday, April 24, where both pleaded guilty to 10 food hygiene offences and two of failing to display a valid rating sticker.

Mr Miah was fined £11,570 and his firm £21,670.

The prosecutions followed an investigation by Newport City Council’s environmental health team in September 2016 following complaints from members of the public.

They found an established and widespread rodent infestation with mice droppings found throughout the building. Cleaning and disinfection across the business was poor and the building was in a poor state of repair.

The firm was also incorrectly displaying a food hygiene rating sticker of four, issued in 2014, when it had more recently been given a rating of three.

An emergency prohibition notice was served immediately closing the premises and the firm was given a zero hygiene rating.

Although it was permitted to re-open at the end of September, another visit in December last year found further improvements were needed.

Surfaces used for food preparation were dirty, utensils were not properly cleaned, food containers were unclean and further signs of rodent activity were found.

Full costs incurred through the investigation of £1,900 were allocated to Newport City Council.

New Delhi no longer trades at the Caerleon Road and the business now located there, Raj of India, has the maximum food hygiene rating of five.

Information on food hygiene ratings is available at http://ratings.food.gov.uk