TOWNELEY PARK’S popular Stables cafe has failed 26 hygiene tests.

Environmental health inspectors found food had gone off along with dirt, grease and black-mould infested fridges, floors and walls at the cafe in Burnley.

Also, insect zappers, filled with flies, were positioned above food preparation areas, Reedley magistrates were told.

Bosses at the cafe have admitted the 26 breaches of food hygiene regulations and are facing significant fines. Company secretary Akeela Faiz, of Buckley Road, Cheadle, said that the former management of the cafe was in the process of being dissolved.

Her father Mohammed Majid Faiz, the company’s managing director, is currently in Dubai and did not attend court.

But Akeela and her mother Aquida blamed the failings on a manager - who has now been sacked - and pledged a fresh start for the venue.

Mayor of Burnley, Coun David Heginbotham, said: “It is disgusting. People should not be allowed to trade in these conditions, especially where food is being prepared for the public.”

Emma Barker, prosecuting on behalf of Burnley Council, said an unannounced inspection was carried out by environmental health officers Lisa Fay and Jane Enright on May 19 last year.

Council officials had been trying to work with the cafe and had provided guidance from the Food Standards Agency regarding good hygiene practices.

But the court heard that an equipment sink, deep fat fryer, work surfaces, floors and walls were found to be covered in grease, mould or dirt in the ground and first floor kitchens.

Tiling in the staff toilets was covered in cigarette ash and two large drums of oil waste were blocking access to wash handbasins.

The court heard that the cafe’s menu offered lasagne, chilli con carne and shepherd’s pie - but evidence was found that these were pre-cooked and then left for up to eight days in a fridge.

Mustard eight months past its best before date was found and undated jugs of chocolate, custard, and chilli and tartare sauce were also found. Insect zappers, found to be filled with flies, had also been positioned above two food preparations areas, added Miss Barker.

Magistrates adjourned the case for the Faiz family to produce accounts for the company at a sentencing hearing on March 29.

Miss Faiz said her mother and sister were now attempting to relaunch the cafe under different management.

Speaking after the case she said that many of the problems mentioned in court had been immediately remedied.

Her mother Aquida said that the family had been involved with the cafe for 10 years without incident before bringing in a manager to run The Stables.

She added: “We are still here and hoping that we can start afresh. We are just sorry it has come this but it was because of poor management.”