Filthy pub had been infested with rats

The King William on Liverpool Road, Platt Bridge, was subjected to a surprise inspection by Wigan Council environmental health officers early last week after they received a complaint about a potential problem with vermin.

It was re-opened on Friday after pub bosses successfully applied to the courts to have the order lifted.

Officers acted after discovering rodent droppings throughout the premises and material which had evidence of being gnawed by such creatures.

It was also found that preventative measures to stop rodents entering the building were inadequate.

Waste food along with pooling water in an external yard were also found in the inspection and the standard of cleaning in the property was described as being “very poor” throughout.

The pub was immediately served with a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice which stopped it from operating as a food business until the health risk had been removed.

Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court agreed with the action taken by the council officers and issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order which prevents a business from operating completely until its serious hygiene issues are addressed and then approved by experts.

The bench also ordered costs of £843.50 to be paid.

Environmental health officers worked with the business to make sure the issues were resolved.

The business was revisited by officers who noted that significant improvements are already being made. The business then applied to Wigan Council to re-open.