The number of food premises in Chorley in need of 'urgent' or 'major' hygiene improvements has increased in nine months.

There are now 14 establishments in the bottom two categories compared to ten in September last year.

And one - the Yu Hing Chinese Takeway in Kimberley Street, Coppull - was rated Zero, in urgent need of improvement.

When the Chorley Citizen conducted an in-depth survey of food hygiene 'Scores on the Doors' in September it found 10 outlets scoring one out of five ratings, with five being the best.

Rating One means in urgent need of improvement.

Labour health spokeswoman and Burnley MP Julie Cooper is to call for legislation to force all outlets covered by the ratings to display them clearly near their entrances in Parliament.

And she has been backed by Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle who said: "I am very concerned by this increase in poor standards."

When the Lancashire Telegraph conducted an in-depth survey of food hygiene 'Scores on the Doors' in February it found 73 outlets scoring zero or one out of five ratings, with five being the best.

Mrs Wen Yang, from the Yu Hing, said: "The poor rating was the result of one customer who complained of being unwell after a mean we provided.

"The inspectors have been back and everything is alright now."

Some 303 premises were rated in category Five - Very Good.

Chris Sinnott, Chorley Council's deputy chief executive, said: "Food hygiene ratings are important to businesses and customers in the borough as it helps drive standards of hygiene in food premises which improves businesses and attracts and reassures customers.

“Chorley Council has been operating the National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme since May 2011 and routinely monitors approximately 700 food premises.

“Council inspectors visit food premises and give a rating between zero and five based on three key elements including; how hygienically the food is handled, the condition of the building and the management.

“We have some fantastic food premises in Chorley and the council is very proud of the high standard of the food hygiene ratings.

"Premises with lower ratings are aware that they need to improve and it's in their best interests to do so which is why the council offers support for them to progress, including advisory visits and coaching and if necessary, enforcement action can be taken.”

Mrs Cooper said: "More still needs to be done on this issue.

"The best solution is to make it mandatory for all food outlets to display their hygiene score on or near the doors so customers can see what it is before they go in and buy.

"That would force standards up.

"I shall raise this in Parliamentary Question with ministers next week."

Mr Hoyle said: "This does who that the council is checking hygiene at food establishments.

"Burt we need to find out the reason for this surge from ten to 14 low scores.

"I would support making it compulsory for all food outlets to display their score prominently so people know what they are getting."

SCORES ON THE DOORS CHORLEY NOW:

RATING ZERO –

Yu Hing Take Away Kimberley Street, Coppull)

Rating ONE –

Little Hong Kong Limited (Wheelton)

The Cavendish Arms (Brindle)

Romeo’s Food House

Sagar Premier Indian Restaurant (Bamber Bridge)

Sizzling Indian

Adlington Spice (Adlington)

Chesters (Pall Mall)

Daisy Tandoori (Steeley Lane)

Kin’s Chinese Takeaway (Adlington)

Romeo’s Food House (Pall Mall)

Tasty Bits (Pall Mall)

The Butty Box (Water Street)

The Village Bite (Bamber Bridge)

Total of 303 in category 5

Total of 14 in category 0-1

Total of 481 overall premises

SCORES ON THE DOORS IN CHORLEY SEPTEMBER 2017

RATING ZERO -

NIL

RATING ONE -

Dominos (Buckshaw Village)

Good Boyz

Lisa’s Fish and Chips

Loy Kee takeaway

Pulcinellas

Romana (Euxton)

Romeo’s Food House

Sun Hing (Whittle-le-Woods)

Valentinos (Adlington)

Money Tree (Euxton) is awaiting a new rating.

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