A Walsall convenience store has been fined after a mouse was found scurrying in a rear storeroom near confectionary items and drinks.
Sukhwinder Sangha, owner of Lifestyle Express, also known as Eric’s Convenience Stores on Nottingham Drive, Willenhall, appeared at Dudley Magistrates Court on Sept 18 2024.
Sangha was fined £738 for two offences, and will have to pay other costs, such as a victim surcharge, totaling £2985, Walsall Council stated on Thursday (19).
Walsall Council’s Environmental Health team visited the property unannounced on Aug 15 2023, and found a live mouse, plus visible mice droppings in and around five shop storerooms.
Officers also discovered chew marks and a hole in the wall, all of which showed clear evidence of rodent activity. Council officers deemed this an immediate risk to public health and ordered the closure of the store.
Councillor Garry Perry, Leader of Walsall Council, stated, "The council takes public health extremely seriously, and officers will always take immediate action when seeing evidence like this.
"Customers have a basic right to shop risk free of contaminants, and mice or other rodents pose serious risks to public health, including salmonella and E. coli poisoning.
"It’s the responsibility of our retailers to uphold the appropriate industry standards, and we will continue to take action quickly when this is not the case. “
Following close cooperation with Environmental Health and pest control, the business reopened on 21 August 2023.
As autumn and winter approach, and the temperature drops, warm food businesses are at even greater risk of rodent infestation, and the council urges all businesses to be extra vigilant during these months.
