COCKROACHES were discovered at a popular Oxford deli - but its owner insists action has already been taken to eradicate the pests.

Will's Deli in Woodstock Road was handed a two-star hygiene rating after Oxford City Council visited in January, raising concerns including about stock rotation.

The report stated that 'cockroaches [were seen] on a sticky trap behind the chilled display unit' and there was an 'accumulation of debris and water beneath equipment.'

It added: "An orzo pasta salad made on 18/1/19 – which should have been disposed of this morning – was displayed for sale.

"A lentil dish with a label made on 16/1 was displayed for sale.

"No mixer facility was provided to facilitate good hand washing. The water temperature must be maintained at 40-50 degrees or provide means of mixing."

More than two months have passed since the rating was issued, and the deli's owner Will Pouget said all of the problems outlined in the report have now been addressed.

He said the deli was in the throes of a 'management crisis' during inspection and has since instated a much more 'competent' team.

He added: "We have taken it very, very seriously.

"The inspector is now very happy with the management in place. I'm very confident of getting a higher score [next time]."

Mr Pouget said there is a wider issue with recruitment and retention of good managers in Oxford, especially since the Westgate Centre opened.

He added: "It's a crisis in Oxford within the hospitality industry to find competent managerial staff who are not transient - a lot of people don't see hospitality as a serious career.

"I don't want to blame that as ultimately it's our responsibility, but it's a real challenge.

"The Westgate has hoovered up a large number of management staff and independents have suffered."

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He admitted cockroaches were an issue at the time but the business has since enlisted two pest control companies to investigate, which concluded that cardboard boxes left on site overnight were the likely source.

He said action has been taken to ensure cardboard can now be disposed of immediately, and the pest control expert compiles a fortnightly report, feeding back that cockroaches are 'no longer a problem.'

Mr Pouget opened the deli about seven years ago and also runs Alpha Bar in the Covered Market.

It boasts a 4.5 star rating from Tripadvisor customers and focuses on fresh, locally-sourced produce, selling cakes, coffee and deli items such as cheese and healthy salads.

He described the area as a 'tricky place to run a successful business' due to the high concentration of competition and high rents, without the footfall of the city centre.

The deli has installed mixer taps as per the advice of the inspector and removed a microwave that had been repaired with adhesive tape, which the council had also raised issue with.