THE boss of a Bolton butchers shop is celebrating after being awarded a four rating by the town’s food hygiene inspectors.

Wayne Walker Quality Meat Sales was given the score out of a possible five when Bolton Council’s officers visited the Bradshawgate outlet on Friday, April 11.

Bosses of the shop were stunned when they were given a zero rating after the previous visit, on October 28, 2013, when inpspectors found that the same piece of equipment had been used for both raw and ready-to-eat food.

General manager Ian Wallbanks said this was a result of an individual human error and stringent training procedures had been put in place to make sure it never happened again.

He added: “We are delighted that, that after this latest visit, our hygiene standards have been found to be excellent.

“Everyone has worked really hard to make sure we meet the highest possible standards and everything is pristine.

“The training mechanisms we have put in place have proved to be invaluable and every one of our 30 members of staff have passed with flying colours.”

Mr Wallbanks admitted that bosses of the Midlands-based company had considered closing the Bolton shop following the zero rating.

He said: “I put 30 jobs and a significant level of investment at risk.

“But I am happy to say that is now behind us and that the backing we have received from our customers has been outstanding.”

Wayne Walker Quality Meat Sales opened in Manchester Road in May last year.

The £1.2 million butchery shop employs local people and is located at the site of the former World of Fashion store.

Ian Wallbanks, general manager, said: “All the staff at Wayne Walkers have worked really hard to achieve this hygiene Rrating with all staff completing and passing courses in food hygiene principles.

"Wayne Walkers have been serving the people of Bolton for over 20 years now and will continue to do so with the highest of hygiene practices.

“Offering good quality meats and amazing value to the people of Bolton and surrounding areas. Wayne Walker and all the staff are very proud of this store and if any member of the public would like to visit us and take a look at how we run behind the scenes with a full store visit they are more than welcome.”