A Croydon bakery has been slapped with a fine of £8,500 after hygiene inspectors uncovered mouse droppings, mould, dirt, dust and grime.

The grim discovery at Bloomers Bakery was made by Croydon Council food safety officers following a routine inspection at the company’s shop in Lower Addiscombe Road in June 2014.

On July 1 a visit to the main bakery premises in Tait Road revealed evidence of a mouse infestation and dirty conditions in a number of areas.

Councillor Mark Watson, cabinet member for communities, safety and justice said: “This is an established Croydon bakery, serving many members of the community, and it’s disappointing that standards were allowed to fall to such a degree.

“Our food safety team worked to put matters right and it’s heartening to note the comments of the district judge who realised the potential danger to customers and imposed a suitably severe financial penalty.”