Two Lytham St Annes businesses have admitted a string of food hygiene charges.

Richard Walmsley, of Agnew Street, Lytham, owner of The Sandwich Factory, Wood Street, St Annes, appeared before Blackpool Magistrates Court on October 29 to answer seven food hygiene charges.

Environmental Health Officials visited the business on June 22, 2007.

Rodent activity was observed within the main food preparation area and adequate arrangements were not in place to manage pest control or refuse.

Rotten food, maggots and oil were found to be stored at the rear of the premise and there were no materials available for hand washing.

At the time of the offences, Mr Walmsley had left the management of The Sandwich Factory with a third party, whilst he embarked on the setting up of a new food business in Ireland but as he was the registered owner the prosecution fell to him.

Mr Walmsley pleaded guilty to all seven charges, was fined £405 and ordered to pay £500 towards costs.

The business is no longer trading from the address.

On Wednesday, November 12, Gayner Sedgwick, owner of the Cafe de Paris, Clifton Square, Lytham, pleaded guilty to six food hygiene charges.

Inspectors found a variety of breaches and a very poor standard of food hygiene within the premises.

She pleaded guilty at Blackpool Magistrates to the charges and will sentenced on December 3.

Councillor Patricia Fieldhouse, cabinet member for social wellbeing said: “These prosecutions send a clear message to all businesses, that the overall responsibility for food safety lies with the food business operator, regardless of their distance from the business.

“Fylde Borough Council will not hesitate in instigating legal action where there is a clear breach of food hygiene legislation.”