A VILLAGE pub issued with the lowest hygiene rating after rat droppings were found by inspectors has said it is “confident” it can turn things around.

Officers from South Oxfordshire District Council’s food and safety team visited the Abingdon Arms in Beckley, near Oxford, on Wednesday, September 23.

In a report published last month, a number of issues were listed including possible rat activity evidenced by gnawed crisps and rat droppings.

It also noted that a chicken liver pate had been kept for three days after cooking, and some items in fridges and freezers were left uncovered.

Owners were asked to take immediate action.

The report said: “The entire commercial food premises are to be eradicated of pests.

“Ensure that all adequate steps are taken to maintain the premises free of infestation.”

The next inspection will take place on Wednesday, March 23.

Owner Nicky Phipps Ward said: “We moved into the pub a month or so ahead of the environmental health officers’ visit.

“As soon as we arrived, we immediately addressed problems which had not been dealt with by the previous licensee.

“Unfortunately, we were on holiday on the day of the visit, so they were not given the reports and explanations detailing the extensive work we have undertaken.

“We’ve rectified the issues cited and are confident of achieving a high score at the revisit.”

She added: “The pub is now trading extremely well and winning new customers every week.”