A COWLEY Road chicken shop has been given a zero food hygiene rating after flies, rats and an "unpleasant" stench were reported at the premises.

Peri Peri Original was slammed by Oxford City Council environmental health officers after an inspection last month and given nine improvement notices.

The owners could face up to two years in prison if the notices are not complied with.

Rat gnawing was found in the rear yard – not inside the property – but inspectors warned rodents could easily access the restaurant unless steps were taken.

The takeaway was also ordered to thoroughly clean walls and ceilings to remove mould and replace skirting boards that had gathered dirt. 

The 42-page report, written by a city council inspector, read: "I was disappointed at the poor standards of cleanliness within the premises.

"It appears the condition of the business has deteriorated since my colleagues' visit in October 2015.

"The premises had an unpleasant odour and a number of flies in the rear area, indicating inadequate cleaning regimes."

The chicken shop is one of only 11 eateries in the county to score zero – the lowest possible rating.

It scored 'Poor' when it came to food hygiene and safety and 'Bad' in the structural compliance category when officers inspected on April 20. 

While no evidence of rats was found inside the restaurant, officers warned staff something had to be done to stop rats in the back yard from getting in.

It read: "There was evidence of rat gnawing in the rear yard of the premises but no evidence of pest activity inside the premises at the time of the visit.

"The premises has been poorly sealed and finished in several areas, which could give rodents access to the premises if not carefully monitored."

It added: "There was also a large accumulation of various items, including building materials and builder's rubble in the rear yard that could provide harbourage for rats."

The city council then hit the restaurant with a notice to keep land free from rats and mice and to clear the yard of rubble and dispose of waste to get rid of rats by the end of June.

Further notices to clean walls and ceilings to stop the build up of dirt, and get rid of black mould spots, must be complied with by July 27.

Peri Peri Original failed to respond to a request for comment.