THE MANAGER of a restaurant in Stroud town centre has spoken out after their establishment recently received a zero food hygiene rating. 

Indian restaurant and takeaway Zeera, based in Gloucester Street, was given the minimum score after assessment on April 30, the Food Standards Agency's website shows.

Hygiene ratings are scored from 0-5, with five being the highest. 

Food hygiene ratings reflect the hygiene standards which are found on the day of inspection by the local authority - they are not a guide to food quality.

The manager of the Zeera branch has explained why they received the low rating, adding that they immediately closed the restaurant to rectify the issues and are awaiting a re-inspection. 

They said: "A disused store room that was in the process of renovation was left unlocked during the food hygiene inspection which was a mistake on our part.

"New members of staff had yet to receive the mandatory training and standards had momentarily slipped.

"Upon inspection and receiving of the zero rating we immediately decided to voluntarily close the restaurant and rectify the issues to ensure that we can maintain the highest of standards.

"We have since completed all necessary renovations and repairs required by the council and provided the mandatory training to the new staff members and are awaiting a follow up inspection rating."