A BAKERY business with multiple outlets in Cirencester has been fined more than £3,000 after failing to comply with food hygiene regulations.

Robert Whiddett, trading as AJ Whiddetts, appeared at Cheltenham Magistrates Court on Monday (September 19), pleading guilty to a charge of failing to keep the bakery premises clean and in a good state of repair.

In February this year, officers from Cotswold District Council (CDC) undertook an unannounced food hygiene inspection of the manufacturing premises at 11 Dollar Street and found very poor standards of cleaning to both the structure and equipment.

Given previous instances and issues with regard to the cleanliness of the premises, officers felt that it was no longer appropriate to seek to deal with the matter informally, and a prosecution was sought.

The Magistrates levied a fine of £2,500 and a Victim Surcharge of £120, and costs of £500 were also awarded to CDC. In total, fines and costs amounted to £3,120, which are to be paid within 28 days.

After the hearing, Cllr Sue Coakley, CDC cabinet member for environment, said: “It is disappointing that this business has been unable to comply with basic cleaning requirements over the years.

“Court action is a last resort, but clearly this on-going non-compliance had to be brought to an end to protect the health of the public.”