Cut-price Lewisham store Poundworld has been fined more than £15,000 after inspectors claimed mice had been chomping through the shop's low-cost food.

The high street shop was shut back in October 2013 in the interests of public safety after health inspectors said they had found "extensive mouse activity" and food for sale that was "unprotected from contamination".

When it was visited again a few days later, inspectors found measures had been pub it place to curb the problem and allowed it to reopen.

But just three months later, in January last year, the shop was shut again after a fresh rodent outbreak.

At Bromley Magistrates' Court on January 30, owners Poundworld Retail Limited pleaded guilty to five offences, including inadequate procedures to control pests.

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However, in mitigation, Poundworld said inspectors were only called the first time because droppings were found, not because customers had actually purchased contaminated food.

They also claimed there had been an "unprecedented" amount of mice in the area at the time, with a large accumulation of rubbish nearby heightened by a derelict neighbouring pub where squatters were living.

The company was fined £2,000 for each offence, a £150 victim surcharge and costs of £5,267 - a total of £15,417.

Lewisham Council said the store was last visited in October, when no further issues were found.

Cabinet member for the public realm Councillor Rachel Onikosi said: "I hope this sends a strong message to all retailers that they cannot play fast and loose with public safety. Lewisham Council will take robust action to defend consumers and ensure that retailers fulfil their legal responsibilities."

Poundworld managing director Chris Edwards said: "It’s extremely important to us to maintain the highest standards of hygiene in our stores and we’re extremely disappointed that we fell short on this occasion. 

"Whilst every effort was maintained to try and keep the store pest free, conditions in areas surrounding the premises including a vacant pub with squatters created a constant challenge for us and other neighbouring businesses. 

"We can confirm that following extensive improvements to our pest control procedure and vigilance from management teams, our store is now 100 per cent free of pests. All staff have been trained to keep a consistent and proactive approach to ensure that the excellent standards now in place are fully preserved."