A WIRRAL takeaway has received the poorest food hygiene rating, after traces of mice activity were found.

Al's Pizza, on Bedford Road, received the rating, which confirms "urgent improvement" i is necessary after an inspection on Tuesday, May 2.

A Freedom of Information request, which was obtained by the Globe, showed that a "widespread activity of mice" was found throughout the premises on inspection.

The first visit took place on Tuesday, April 18, with follow-up compliance visits on Friday, April 21, Wednesday, April 26 and Tuesday, May 2.

The takeaway, which sells Pizzas, fried chicken, kebabs and more, scored 25 for hygiene (the best score is 0, the poorest score is 25) 25 for structure (the best score is 0, the poorest score is 25) and 30 for confidence in management (the best score is 0, the poorest score is 30).

In the report, it states: "There was evidence of widespread activity of mice throughout the food business; under and behind equipment and on shelves where food and food equipment were being stored, in food equipment boxes, next to takeaway packaging, next to white roll used for cleaning and hand drying.

"The structure was found to be maintained in poor condition, with many potential pest entry points, holes in walls, gaps under doors, and poor standard of cleaning especially at lower levels."

It added: "Droppings were evident on the floor and low-level shelving in the middle kitchen preparation area, shelving in the rear storage area, behind fridges and freezers, next to the dough mixer, pizza trays and next to takeaway packaging."

As a result of the conditions found, the business was voluntarily closed. A Voluntary Prohibition Notice was issued during the visit on Tuesday, April 18.

The report also said: "The standard of cleaning at the premises was poor with a build-up of dirt, dust debris and grease evident underneath and behind equipment and behind and on top of shelving throughout the premises."

A certificate confirming the risk to health no longer exists was issued on Tuesday, May 2 and the kitchen was allowed to re-open.

However, the report confirmed "despite the imminent risk to health being removed it is likely that pest activity is still active".

Al's Pizza was contacted for a comment but did not respond.