Inspectors rule Rotherham takeaway closed over rat problem can reopen

A TAKEAWAY in Rotherham town centre which was closed after inspectors found evidence of rats on the premises can now reopen.

The Planet Pizza and Burger Bar at Main Street has been deemed fit to reopen — but the owner said due to ongoing refurbishment works it wouldn’t be trading for at least a week.

Manager Faisal Syed blamed the evidence of an active rat infestation — found during an inspection on January 29 — on the ongoing building work at Westgate Chambers.

A hygiene emergency prohibition order was granted at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on February 6 and Mr Syed was ordered to pay the council £536 in costs.

On Friday afternoon, inspectors ruled there was no longer an imminent risk to health and the takeaway could reopen.

A Rotherham Council spokesman said environmental health officers concluded that sufficient works had been undertaken by the owners to allow the premises to reopen. 

Speaking to the Advertiser today (Monday), Mr Syed said: “We have been here 18 years and never had a rat problem.

“Because of the refurbishment works in the surrounding areas, some of the rats infiltrate the cellar.”

Mr Syed said although the takeaway had been given the green-light, refurbishment works were still ongoing throughout the shop and it remained closed.

“We need to prepare from zero again, it takes some time,” he said.

“We are doing some refurbishment works inside. I think we will open within a week.”

Mr Syed said he wanted to apologise for the inconvenience caused and assured customers food hygiene standards would be kept high.

“We will keep serving them like before with good hygiene and a good hygiene rating,” he said.