THE NUMBER of takeaways, sandwich shops and mobile caterers getting the lowest hygiene rating in Bolton has risen since last year.

In November 2017, there were just five eateries slapped with a zero-rating by the Food Standards Agency but the number now stands at eight.

Farnworth is home to three zero-rated takeaways, Chop Suey Bar, Godfather Pizza and Trojan, while one, Fasaj Balti, is in Kearsley.

Fasaj Balti in Bolton Road said that after an inspection in November “big improvements” were made and they were told that a return visit would take place after February.

The Bolton News understands that inspectors tried to revisit the property when it was closed and were led to believe that the business was in the process of changing hands.

K2 Taj Chippery, in Crescent Road, was rated zero when it was inspected last September.

Trojan, in Higher Market Street, got its zero-rating last December, but owner Farid Assadie said that this was “unfair” and has since spent £11,000 to the kitchen roof which was leaking at the time.

The Bolton News understands Trojan’s poor rating was given for reasons including storing raw food next to ready to eat food, having no soap or hand drying facilities and not wearing protective clothing.

Imperial Kitchen, a Chinese takeaway in Deane Church Lane, was rated zero in March and is due another inspection in September.

Owner Sam Lee said that he addressed all issues and requested an earlier inspection, but this would cost.

He said: “We have carried out all the necessary work to increase the hygiene and to meet standards of that hygiene rating.”

Nabzy’s Takeaway in Chorley Old Road, which received a zero-rating in June, has been under new ownership since March.

The new owner Mohammad Shakeel said that the necessary changes have been made since the last inspection in June.

He said: “The last owner employed cleaners who didn’t do enough. We are a family business that are doing everything now.”