Kebab shop’s poor score after hygiene inspection

A town centre kebab shop has been told to clean up its act after inspectors found staff were storing food on the floor.

The Ashford Pizza and Kebab House, in Tufton Street, scored just one out of five overall when council inspectors visited last month – ruling it is in need of major improvement.

It was tested in areas such as hygiene, safety, and confidence in management.

Inspectors found staff had left food on the store room floor, and told them to place it on the shelf instead.

They also discovered chicken was defrosted at room temperature, as well as finding out-ofdate salads in the chiller.

Managers were told they needed to make a better record of food safety, and keep the toilet door closed at all times.

Last month, the Kentish Express reported how the business, which is opposite the Phoenix, had plans to extend its opening hours until 4am approved.

The proposal was given the green light by Ashford Borough Council’s licensing sub-committee last month, but bosses will have to fit CCTV cameras to monitor the area around the business.

Neighbours had reported seeing revellers urinating and defecating in garages in Bull Yard close to the takeaway.

Shutters were installed to block off the garages and com- bat the issue, but residents still raised concerns over potentially drunken behaviour and vandalism if the opening hours were extended.

The business will now be open from 11.30am to 1.30am Sunday to Thursday, and 11.30am to 4am on Fridays and Saturdays.

A member of staff at the kebab house said he is confident it will get a better rating when it is re-inspected. It is expected inspectors will return in about two months’ time.

What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, Unit 4, Park Mall Shopping Centre Ashford, TN24 8RY or email kentishexpress@ thekmgroup.co.uk

Ashford Pizza and Kebab House has been rated in need of major improvement