An Oxford service station has spoken out for the first time since a cockroach infestation was discovered onsite.
The M40 Welcome Break services on Thame Road near Wheatley were inspected by South Oxfordshire District Council Environmental Health officers on Monday, May 20.
After receiving a complaint from a member of the public who had visited the service station at junction 8a near Wheatley, inspectors made a shocking discovery.
READ MORE: Cockroach infestation at Oxford services shuts down three eateries
During their investigation, officers found evidence of a cockroach infestation in the food preparation and servery areas of multiple food outlets.
These included KFC, The Good Breakfast/Chopstix and Starbucks where a significant risk of food contamination and an imminent risk to the customers’ health was posed.
A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was placed on the service station the very same day meaning the impacted units at the site had to close immediately.
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A spokesperson for Welcome Break said: “Four food units at Oxford Services have been closed due to a pest issue.
“These units will remain closed until the issue is resolved.
“We are cooperating with our local Environmental Health office to resolve the situation as soon as possible.
“We appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding during this time.”
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A criminal investigation into any food hygiene offences committed is ongoing and the three stores will remain closed until officers deem the health risk has been removed.
Subway has also been closed at the services but Burger King, Waitrose and WH Smith all remain open in the meantime.
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