The owner of a Chinese takeaway restaurant has been fined a total of £7,242 for offences including an infestation of mice on the premises.

Kam Sing Wong, proprietor of the Star Chinese Takeaway, Oxford Road, Kidlington, pleaded guilty to seven offences against hygiene regulations.

The mouse infestation, and other problems, were identified during a routine inspection by Cherwell District Council environmental health officers. Bicester magistrates imposed the fines, which included £4,000 for exposing food to the risk of contamination from active mice infestation.

The proprietor was also fined £2,000 for unhygienic handling and preparation of food and £500 for failing to keep his premises clean.

Cherwell District Council was awarded £742 costs.

Shamsul Islam, lead officer in the case, said: "It is a last resort that such extreme measures are taken to protect public health.

"I am pleased the courts agreed with our evidence and opinion that the takeaway posed an imminent risk to health."

Darren Palmer, principal environmental health officer, added: "The Environmental Health department will continue to provide the necessary information and guidance to businesses to help them comply with the law.

"However, the department will continue to enforce the law, where necessary, to make Cherwell district a safe place to eat."

Officers said they have continued to inspect and monitor the Star Takeaway and have noticed a considerable improvement in standards and investment over the last three months.

Story date: Saturday 06 February

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