Latest news with #DARLINGTONCOUNCIL
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Yahoo
Filthy conditions at Darlington takeaway's 0* inspection exposed as ex-owner fined
Filthy conditions at a Darlington takeaway's previous zero-star inspection have been exposed as the venue's former owner is slapped with £1,600 in fines. Spice 4 U, on Cockerton Green, was told major improvement was necessary at a routine visit from food hygiene officers last September. Inspectors found a dirty premises, dirty equipment, and poor food handling practices at the site, handing it the lowest food hygiene score possible. And while Spice 4 U is under new ownership and has made improvements, currently holding a 'good' four-star rating, the venue's previous hygiene failings have now been revealed. Images from the food hygiene inspection at Spice 4 U on Cockerton Green in Darlington (Image: DARLINGTON COUNCIL) Shocking pictures from inside the venue show dirty light switches, a dirty drawer filled with kitchen utensils and other items such as rubber bands and a hammer, and dirty shelving. A number of immediate actions to improve the cleanliness of the premises and associated equipment were identified by the council which business owner, Shahin Ahmed Choudhury, Gresham Close, Darlington, failed to comply with. Following an interview under caution, the council progressed a prosecution under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013. Images from the food hygiene inspection at Spice 4 U on Cockerton Green in Darlington (Image: DARLINGTON COUNCIL) This week, at Peterlee Magistrates' Court, Choudhury was prosecuted for hygiene offences and ordered to pay more than £1,600 in fines and court costs. Darlington Council said the decision taken this week 'sends a clear message to business owners who fail to maintain appropriate standards of cleanliness within their facilities' that action will be taken by the authority. Brian Whelan, environmental health manager at the council, said: "Every week our environmental health officers visit local businesses to inspect the cleanliness of their facilities and how food is handled, stored, prepared and managed. Images from the food hygiene inspection at Spice 4 U on Cockerton Green in Darlington (Image: DARLINGTON COUNCIL) 'At these inspections, venues are awarded an official hygiene rating between 0 (urgent improvement required) and 5 (very good). "Prosecutions like these are rare and are only made where attempts to engage businesses and resolve issues have failed. 'Spice 4 U has a poor history of compliance with food safety & hygiene regulations, and we hope that the action taken will serve as a deterrent for future infractions." It is now under new ownership (Image: DARLINGTON COUNCIL) Councillor Chris McEwan, the council's cabinet member for economy, added: "The town boasts a huge variety of restaurants, pubs, cafes, takeaways, food vans and stalls, and I am delighted that 95% of all premises which serve food and drink demonstrate good or very good hygiene standards. Read More: Work underway at Bannatyne Ingleby Barwick for padel courts Estabulo 'reviewing future plans' of Darlington restaurant Flowers and messages as Stanley 'shooting' probe enters third day Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. . 'However, this serves as a reminder to the public to remain vigilant and to report any concerns about food establishments, including suspected food poisoning or allergy incidents, to our environmental health team which works tirelessly to ensure that the food available in Darlington is safe and that food businesses comply with the necessary hygiene legislation." People visiting takeaways or eating out in Darlington are encouraged to check the establishment's hygiene rating. Most businesses will display these in their window, but they are also available online at or via the Food Standards Agency app.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Darlington schoolkids send message to the skies in anti-idling campaign
Pupils at a Darlington school sent a message to the skies last week. Schoolchildren at Gurney Pease Academy braved the weather to spell out 'We love clean air' on the playground as part of an ongoing campaign. It comes as schools across the town are campaigning with the Council to Care for Clean Air, and stop motorists idling outside their gates. It is estimated an idling car – one running while parked up - creates enough emissions to fill 150 balloons with harmful pollutants each minute. Joanne Davison, acting Principal for Gurney Pease Academy said: 'The children had great fun taking part in the drone photo and learned a bit about drone technology as well. It's been a fun way to drive home an important message around air pollution and the harm it can cause everyone especially younger children and those who are more vulnerable. The pupils gathered to promote clean air and anti-engine idling. (Image: DARLINGTON COUNCIL) 'We're delighted to support the council's Care for Clean Air campaign and look forward to putting our banner up and spreading the word about engine idling.' Read next: Murderer who beat, strangled and stabbed partner in his flat dies at Durham jail Ex County Durham GP saw patients while drunk and offered woman £1k to sleep with him Darlington dad's sentence for murder referred for review for being 'too lenient' lick here to join our WhatsApp community and get breaking news updates direct to your phone. About 180 kids from reception to Year 6 took part in the drone photo. Cllr Matthew Roche, cabinet member for health and housing on Darlington Borough Council, said: 'We are working hard to reduce our own emissions to improve air quality and to help encourage everyone to stop engine idling as well as being aware of the dangers around air pollution. 'It's great to see local children taking an interest in an issue that affects us all, especially younger people and those with health conditions.'
