AN INDIAN takeaway has shrugged off a recent scathing food hygiene report, saying the rating from Cherwell District Council 'really doesn't matter'.

The Delhi Indian Takeaway in Southam Road promises Banbury residents a tantalising array of Tandoori specialities, tikka and biryani dishes.

But on visiting the premises on September 20 this year inspectors were less than impressed and slapped management with a one-star rating.

Key concerns included chopping boards being used for both raw and ready-to-eat foods, while raw meat and salad items were prepared right next to each other, risking cross-contamination.

Also criticised was the use of re-usable cleaning cloths soaked in bleach overnight to wash them, when they needed to be put in a washing machine.

The floor under many of the units was dirty and hand contact points such as fridge handles and the light switch were dirty.

In a letter to management, the inspector said: "I understand you have worked in the catering/manufacturing industry for a number of years but it became apparent during the visit that your level of food hygiene awareness was inadequate in some areas.

"You should therefore undertake food hygiene training to a level equivalent to the CIEH Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering."

Manager Mazhar Iqbal said another visit to the premises was due to take place in the next few weeks and he had made some changes to the way he worked.

He said: "It was just basically hygiene, cleaning and mostly paperwork.

"It's where to wash things and where to keep them, with the meat on the bottom and salad on the top, and cooking meat separately."

But he added: "It really doesn't matter. Well, not to me anyway. They said you can stick the writing on the window, or not, as long as everything is clear.

"Some people get four, some people get three, they gave me a one, but it's optional whether you put it on or not and I am confident about the hygiene of my business now.

"I will be asking for a five and I'm definitely confident."