THE owners of an ice cream kiosk in West Kirby have been fined £10,000 for breaches of food health and safety regulations.

On June 29, 2015, officers from Wirral Council's environmental health department carried out a routine food hygiene inspection at Turners Ice Cream on South Parade and found dirty conditions with dog hairs throughout and evidence of mouse activity.

The business was then closed voluntarily due to the imminent risk of injury to health.

In August, the company's owners pleaded guilty to 10 offences which included the failure to protect food against contamination and failure to ensure that all equipment was effectively cleaned.

Cabinet member for environment, Cllr Bernie Mooney, said: "It was clear to officers that the conditions and practices within this premises posed a risk to the health of Wirral residents and also visitors to Wirral as the premises is located in a very popular tourist location.

"Whilst Wirral Council supports local businesses, the conditions and practices found at this premises were totally unacceptable and posed a real risk to their customers.

"In order to protect consumers, officers had no choice but to take formal action to deal with these serious breaches of legislation.

"We have a responsibility to make our high streets healthier, safer and fairer for consumers and businesses."