It was all sour and no sweet for an Anerley Chinese takeaway after it was closed and fined thousands for a rodent infestation.

The Bamboo Chinese Takeaway, in Anerley Road, was inspected by officers from Bromley Council's food safety team following complaints from customers.

They found a "severe and widespread rodent infestation along with dirty conditions", after the visit on April 7.

The business was closed on the spot and manager Cheuk Shing Chan was ordered to employ a professional pest controller, but when officers returned to the eatery on April 11 they found the vermin still active.

The restaurant was not allowed to reopen until April 14 after it was judged to have 'improved its hygiene'.

Chan and the operating company Shing Yee Limited were both prosecuted for eight food safety offences at Bromley Magistrates’ Court last week. The offences were admitted.

The food outlet was fined £9,600, plus ordered to pay costs of £1,358 and a victim surcharge of £120.

Chan, from Plaistow, was also personally fined £4,000 plus a victim surcharge of £50 at the hearing on December 17.

Councillor Tim Stevens, executive member for public protection and safety, said: "This case sends out a strong message to food businesses in the borough that they cannot behave in this way.

"They must make sure that their premises are hygienic and safe and are not a potential danger to the public.

"They must meet the legal requirements, or the council’s food safety team will come down hard on them.

"The actions of this business have cost them dear, so I hope this serves as a strong warning to other such businesses."

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