A COWLEY Road chicken shop has finally scored higher than zero when it comes to hygiene but inspectors are still concerned about rats and flies.

In May last year Peri Peri Original was given a zero food hygiene rating - the same score it has had since 2014 - after inspectors discovered flies and rats and an ‘unpleasant’ stench.

After a visit in July officers praised the improvements made and issued a two-star score but still reported evidence and rats and flies and called for more to be done.

The report read: “It was great to see the improvements to the rear of the premises.

“However, there were still numerous issues found on my visit today.

It added: “There were some rat burrows in the rear yard and one dropping was found in the back yard.

“Resurfacing the rear yard and improving the drainage as you suggested will help guard against pest issues.

He added: “There were some flies in the rear of the building - make sure windows and doors are kept covered or closed - you may need a fly killer.”

The display fridge - kept at a temperature of 15C - was much warmer than the 8C or lower needed to store high risk foods safely.

Raw chicken was found next to salad and other ready to eat food in the fridges, which health officers said should ‘never’ happen.

Staff were also ordered to wear aprons and make sure there was soap in the wash hand basins.

The restaurant scored 'Poor' when it came to food hygiene and safety and structural compliance.

But inspectors did have 'Some' confidence in management to turn things around in the future.

Following the inspection in May 2016 the management were given nine improvement notices - which could have resulted in a £2,000 fine or imprisonment if not complied with.

It included orders to keep land free from rats and mice and to clear the yard of rubble and dispose of waste.

There were also notices to clean walls and ceilings to stop the build up of dirt, and get rid of black mould spots.

This time around inspectors praised the improvements made and no official improvement notices were issued.

But they did order the fridge temperature to be brought below 8C and a list of allergens to be provided within a week.