A GARDEN centre in Sherfield-on-Loddon has received a one-out-of-five food hygiene rating 'part way through improvements' according to the company.

Capital Gardens, in Wildmoor Lane, was rated 'major improvement necessary' following a visit from inspectors on September 4.

Food safety officers rate food hygiene by handling of food, the cleanliness and condition of the building and facilities, and the officer's confidence in the establishment.

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(Image: Rob Newman)

The garden centre, which has a cafe serving hot drinks, cakes, breakfasts and light lunches, told the Gazette that the inspection came during work to 'enhance' the establishment's offering.

The cleanliness and condition of the facilities and building, which includes its layout, ventilation, hand washing facilities and pest control, was found to be good.

However, the handling of food, which includes preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling, and storage of food was considered to require improvement.

The inspection also found that major improvements were needed to ensure that checks are in place to ensure that the food sold or served is safe to eat, including improvements in staff’s knowledge of food safety.

Marketing manager at Capital Gardens, Lucy Campbell, said: "Over the last few months, the Sherfield-On-Loddon Garden Centre Café has undertaken work to enhance their offering.

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"This low rating has unfortunately come part way through our improvements and we are very sorry about it.

"Each of the issues, that were raised in the report we received some weeks ago, have been urgently addressed and completed as per the EHO request.

"Since the report, we have improved our processes, in addition to upgrading our kitchen equipment.  All of our café staff have also completed further food handling refresher training courses.

"Having focused on all of the actions required, we are confident that the return visit from EHO will recognise both our immediate response and the improvements we have made, and we hope to return to a high rating."