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Shop owner fined after mouse spotted

Walsall Council A shelf with a packet of Uncle Ben's branded rice. In the space next to it are dozens of mouse droppings.Walsall Council
Inspectors discovered a live mouse, droppings, chewed packaging, and holes in the shop's walls

A shop owner has been fined after inspectors found a live mouse and droppings in its storerooms.

Sukhwinder Sangha, owner of Lifestyle Express, also known as Eric's Convenience Stores, was fined a total of £2,985 at Dudley Magistrates' Court.

Walsall Council's environmental health team also found chewed packaging and holes in the walls of the store on Nottingham Drive, in Willenhall.

After the visit, on 15 August 2023, council officers ordered the closure of the store, and it reopened six days later after cooperation with Environmental Health and pest control teams.

"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," said councillor Garry Perry, leader of Walsall Council.

"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."

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