Rating system proposed by Waveney chiefs

DIRTY restaurants and takeaways in Waveney could soon be named and shamed online as part of a new star ratings scheme being proposed by council bosses.

DIRTY restaurants and takeaways in Waveney could soon be named and shamed online as part of a new star ratings scheme being proposed by council bosses.

Caf�s, pubs and food manufacturers would also be included in the initiative where the results of inspections, good or bad, by environmental health officers could be posted on a website.

Waveney District Council announced the proposals yesterday (April 29) and will spend the next month consulting with the public and businesses

The system would involved a star rating system of 0 to 5 and ensure food businesses meeting high standards are publicly recognised, with certificates awarded to display in premises.

Tony Curd, Waveney's environmental health service manager, said: 'These schemes are a good way for high quality, hygienic businesses to be rewarded and they also keep the general public informed of the standards maintained by a food business they are thinking of using or visiting.

'We want to know what the people of Waveney think and if they would welcome such a scheme. We'd like to hear the views of all concerned and hope to discover if the public would find the information useful and if businesses would be happy to see the results of the inspection made public.'

Those wishing to comment on the scheme can do so via the council's website at www.waveney.gov.uk or by emailing food@waveney.gov.uk.

Comments can also be sent to: Scores on the Doors consultation, Environmental Health, Waveney District Council, Town Hall, High Street, Lowestoft, NR32 1HS.

The closing date for responses is May 29.