AN Indian restaurant has been ordered to make urgent improvements after being handed the worst possible hygiene grade by inspectors, just six months after opening.

Hambleton District Council officers gave Spice restaurant and bar, in Bedale, a zero hygiene rating after visiting the Market Place premises on March 3, placing it among the lowest standards found at 28,940 businesses that supply food direct to the public in the North-East and North Yorkshire.

Inspectors, who checked food at the restaurant was safe to eat and that it was described to customers accurately, concluded it was "bad for food hygiene and safety, very bad for structural compliance" and said they had little confidence in its management.

The council has declined to detail the issues highlighted by the rating, which is part of a nationwide scheme launched in 2010 to help consumers choose where to eat or shop.

The restaurant's owners said they felt the rating was overly severe, adding they had carried out work on issues raised by inspectors and were confident of been given a higher rating.

They said while they had asked for another inspection as soon as possible, they understood it could take up to three months.

Owner Shukur Ali claimed the issues were not concerned with food preparation and food hygiene, but with plumbing and building problems, stating drains had flooded the garden area at the back.

Mr Ali said: “We sorted them out straight away. I thought the zero rating was very harsh, it was nothing to do with cleanliness and preparation of the food.

“The concern is bad news travels fast and it is affecting business, I would really say to people there is absolutely no problem.

“We have only been open seven months, three months ago when we were inspected we had a hygiene rating of three. Everyone who has come has loved the food, we have had no complaints.”

Other premises in the region given a zero rating since Christmas include Ali's Tandoori, Chester-le-Street; Friends Chop Suey House, Bishop Auckland; Pizza Napoli, West Auckland; The Crossings Pizzeria, Shildon; Pizza Nova, Wheatley Hill; Causey Arch Inn, Beamish and Olivito's Express, Hartlepool.

Inspectors can enter any food premises "at reasonable hours" and can take enforcement action, such as seizing suspect foods, to protect the public or serve notices, such as banning the use of certain processes, equipment or premises.