A PEST controller had to be called in after evidence of cockroaches was found at a town restaurant.

The Spruce Goose Beefeater Grill, in Worting Road, Basingstoke, was investigated by the borough council’s environmental health team after a member of the public reported seeing the insects.

The council said no cockroaches had made their way into the kitchen or food storage areas but there was evidence of the bugs elsewhere in the building. A pest controller was called in to tackle the problem.

Borough council environmental health manager Tom Payne said that the situation was being “closely monitored”.

He added: “Cockroaches are a pest in kitchen areas as they can carry food poisoning bugs. While there was evidence of cockroach activity, we are satisfied that there are no cockroaches in the kitchen or storage areas.

“The pub company has engaged a pest controller, who is treating the areas where they are known to be, and measures have been put in place to ensure that there is no risk to the health of people using the premises.”

On Friday, a spokesman for Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants – the company that owns the Beefeater chain, as well as Premiere Inn Hotels, and Costa Coffee shops – said the restaurant has now been given the all-clear.

“The Spruce Goose prides itself on maintaining exemplary standards of health and safety, and treats any allegations which may affect guest satisfaction very seriously,” the company said in a statement.

“Environmental health has now carried out a thorough investigation throughout the premises. We are pleased to report we have been given the all-clear, and we remain open for business as usual.”