A Chinese takeaway has been slapped with a one-star food hygiene rating after inspectors found pest droppings and black mould.

Swale Borough Council (SBC) officials made a series of filthy discoveries when visiting China Village in Market Place, Faversham.

As well as evidence of vermin, exposed food was found in the fridge, while kitchen areas were dirty and in a poor state of repair.

The authority handed the takeaway the second-lowest possible hygiene score – meaning ‘major improvement (is) necessary’ – as it ordered the company to clean up its act after the November visit last year.

During the inspection, pest droppings were pictured in a storeroom by the inspector to the rear of the property.

The door to this room was ill-fitting and did not have a lock, with the takeaway owners ordered to bring in pest control and fix the door to prevent rodent access.

In official papers handed to those in control of the company, inspectors said: “Food premises must be kept clean and must be constructed so as to permit good food hygiene practices, including protection against contamination and pest control.

“Any droppings need to be removed and the area thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

“Ensure that anywhere that pests may be accessing the premises is adequately proofed to prevent such access.”

Parts of the ceiling and walls were damaged, with some areas patched up with bubble wrap, paper and duct tape.

Doors throughout the takeaway were described as dirty, while the inspector warned “attention to detailed cleaning is required”.

There were multiple water-stained walls and ceilings, while there was black mould growing in the rear store.

Mould was also found on the seal of the chest freezer.

Cooked food, such as chicken balls, was being held and cooled in cardboard boxes while uncovered food containers were stored on top of each other in the fridge.

“Cardboard cannot be adequately cleaned and may harbour harmful bacteria,” said SBC inspectors.

“You must repair or renew the damaged ceiling areas to leave a surface that will prevent the accumulation of dirt.

“You must dispose of any damaged cooking utensils within your premises to minimise the risk of contamination.

“Food premises are to be kept clean and maintained in good repair and condition.”

Further enforcement visits were made with notices served.

The business has now complied with those papers, say council chiefs.

However, it still has a one-star food hygiene rating.

China Village has been contacted for comment.