Crime & Safety
Oxford restaurant shut down as dead mouse and poo found
Inspectors also discovered a dead mouse behind the freezer of Peppers Burgers in Walton Street, Jericho.
Ryan Cobb, principal lead officer for food safety at Oxford City Council, descrbied the burger bar as being an “imminent risk to health” after what was found inside.
The eatery, which was formerly described as a “rite of passage” for new arrivals in Oxford, was shut down on March 31.
In a notice, Mr Cobb said: “There was evidence of a serious mouse infestation throughout the premises.
“A dead mouse was found behind a chest freezer in the food storage rooms leading to the kitchen.
“Large numbers of mouse droppings were evident in the kicthen, rear food storage rooms and in the lobby to the WC.
READ MORE: Two dogs including bulldog and akita seized after covapoo killed
“Gaps sufficient size for rodents to pass were evident around pipework, skirting boards and through the kitchen floor to the basement.
“In the kitchen, mouse droppings were evident under the sinks, around the pizza oven and on the shelf used to store paper for wrapping high risk ready to eat foods.
“In the food storage rooms large numbers of mouse droppings were evident under equipment and freezers.
“The staff in control of the business were unable to provide any food safety management procedures, records or evidence any formal pest control checks including a professionsal pest control contract.”
During a visit, Food Standards Agency officials visited Peppers Burgers and gave it just one out of five on its overall standards – a rating described as “major improvement” needed.
Inspectors said at the time that major improvements must be made to systems or checks to ensure that food sold or served is safe to eat.
The takeaway must also provide evidence that staff know about food safety, and the food safety officer has confidence that standards will be maintained in future.
Mr Cobb added: “No food safe sanitiser or food safe disinfectant were found in the premises to remove pathogenic bacteria carried by mice.
“There is an imminent risk of contamination of food, food packing, food contact surfaces and food equipment which is likely to result in food poisoning and transmission of many other communicable disease.”
Peppers Burger had enjoyed successful reviews on Google to achieve a 4.8 star rating overall.
Neil Misra said in a review just a week ago: “Excellent veggie burgers, and the variety of customizable sauces/condiments they have is fantastic. Cool Oxford-themed wall art inside.”
But nine months ago, one reviewer named Rebecca Calu claimed she ordered a veggie burger and “got food poisoning”, adding in her review: “Please be careful.”
Within the past week, shadow transport secretary Richard Holden criticised Labour’s “energy failure” amid growing fears of fuel shortages due to the Iran war.
Mr Holden said: “Labour’s energy failure is wrecking the Easter getaway before families have even packed their bags, grounding holidays and sending air fares into the skies.
“As conflict in the Middle East drives jet fuel prices higher, airlines will pass those costs straight on to British families already being hammered by Labour’s hikes to air passenger duty and airport business rates.
READ MORE: Sainsbury’s issues statement to UK drivers amid fuel shortages
“This is the direct consequence of Labour’s net zero obsession, destroying our energy security with real and tangible consequences for people up and down the country.
“Britain is left exposed, families are left paying, and Labour sit on their hands as the dream of a family holiday vanish.”
Earlier this week, there were reports that Tesco in Banbury was out of fuel, while others have said there has been no diesel at several petrol stations in Oxfordshire.
This newspaper has approached several supermarket brands this week to see how Oxfordshire stores’ petrol stations have been affected.
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Morrisons was one of those contacted, but informed that MFG owns and operates all of the chain’s fuel stations.
When subsequently contacted, MFG refused to comment at this time.
Sainsbury’s issued a comment, which referred to the stores across the UK as a whole, informing drivers that sites would be resupplied if shortages occurred.
A spokesperson for Sainsbury’s said: “For background, we are actively monitoring stock levels in all locations and continuing to resupply sites where needed.
Tesco and Asda were both also approached for comment, but have yet to respond.
A five-month-old cavapoo, a crossbreed of a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and a poodle, was “mauled to death” in West Bar Street, Banbury on Good Friday.
Owner Eddie Reeves said the attack happened “in an instant” and described there being “blood all over me and our baby”.
Thames Valley Police were called to the attack and have seized the two dogs part of the attack – including an American Akita and a French Bulldog.
Mr Reeves, who is also a Cherwell district councillor, warned people with babies or small dogs to stay ‘well away’ from an address in West Bar Street.
He said: “Our darling cavapoo, Coco, has just been mauled to death while walking in town with our five-month-old baby.
“It happened in an instant. There is blood all over me and our baby, neither of whom were bitten.
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“Thames Valley Police are on their way, but the number of young men with dangerous dogs in this country is out of control. The dogs need to be put down.”
Politicians have rallied around Mr Reeves in light of his beloved dog’s death.
Councillor Andrew Crichton said: “Eddie, I am so sorry to read this. Absolutely disgusting that this has happened. May Coco rest in peace. My condolences to you and your family.”
Banbury MP Sean Woodcock said: “This is really awful Eddie. I’m so sorry to read this. My condolences to you and your family.”
Councillor Simon Weston added: “That is awful.! So sorry to read this. I hope the police take the appropriate action.”
It is an offence to let a dog be dangerously out of control whether that’s in public or private. This can include making someojne worry they might injure them, according to Thames Valley Police.
A Thames Valley Police spokeswoman said: “At around 9.15am on Friday, April 3, we were called to a dangerous dog incident in West Bar Street, Banbury
“Two dogs attacked a cavapoo dog who was being walked. The cavapoo dog sadly died from its injuries.
“An investigation has since been launched and both other dogs have been seized.
“Anyone with information about this attack is asked to call 101 or make an online report via our website, quoting reference number 43260161850.”
The Royal Canin says the American Akita is a “heavy-boned, muscular dog whose striking, noble looks and somewhat dominant personality” make an impression.
“Renowned for their fearlessness and deep sense of loyalty, American Akitas have a long history as both guardians and sporting dogs,” it says.
Meanwhile, French Bulldogs are described as “stocky and chock full of personality” but make “fantastic” companions.
“Don’t be fooled by that serious look on their face: there’s usually a playful dog hidden within,” it added. “The French Bulldog is an adaptable breed that just wants to have fun.”
The Southern Oxfordshire Heritage, Culture, and Creative Industries Symposium returned to Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot on March 25, bringing together 30 representatives from museums, theatres, arts organisations, educational institutions, and heritage groups from South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse.
The three-hour event was designed to encourage conversation around improving the arts and culture scene in the region.
Georgina Heritage, cabinet member for communities at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “It was wonderful to see people coming together again from across the districts.
“The workshops sparked some really insightful discussions, and it’s great to see our creative and cultural community collaborating and supporting one another.”
Sessions focused on sharing best practices in audience development and inclusion.
Workshops and presentations also addressed funding opportunities and reaching new audiences, and collaboration and partnership working.
Helen Pighills, cabinet member for community health and wellbeing at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “It’s inspiring to see local organisations reconnect and share ideas on audience engagement and inclusive practice.
“Events like this help us strengthen partnerships, reach new audiences, and ensure creativity continues to thrive across the region.”
The symposium was funded through grants from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England.
Another event is scheduled for June this year.
For more details please email: cultureandheritage@southandvale.gov.uk.
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