CAFES and restaurants – among other food retailers in Burnley – are being urged to shout about their clean bills of health from hygiene watchdogs.

Eighty-three per cent of businesses or organisations are said to be rated at four or five stars – the top two ratings by the Scores on the Doors initiative.

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Now successful operators are being encouraged to ‘tweet’ their achievements as part of the scheme, which is backed by the Food Standards Agency.

Only three premises were zero-starred, all convenience stores, and just 16 were given one-star ‘major improvements necessary’ warning.

Another 18 were told they must make minor adjustments, after being given two stars.

In the latest 10 ratings, six premises including Padiham Green CE Primary, Boots and Holland & Barrett in Charter Walk, Tesco, The Red Lantern in Bank Parade and Offshoots Permaculture, were given five-star designations.

But the Chippy on the Green, in Hapton Road, visited in September, gained one star and was said to be ‘poor’ with inspectors having little confidence in management and things would be put right.

Coun John Harbour, the borough’s cabinet member for environmental health, said: “We know that many people are now looking out for the distinctive green and black ratings stickers which are issued after an inspection by the council’s environmental health officers.

“Many businesses who display their rating say it’s having a positive impact on their business in terms of customer confidence, reputation and numbers of customers.”

Karen Davies, the council’s environmental health and licensing manager, said: “Eighty-three per cent of the borough’s food premises achieve the higher four or five rating.

“We want to encourage our food businesses to benefit from their high food hygiene rating by displaying their certificate and stickers.”