A plan to impose tougher penalties on restaurants, cafes and takeaways infested with pests is good news for North East diners, according to a national trade body.

Business owners found guilty of food safety offences could now face much bigger fines or even jail terms following the introduction of new sentencing guidelines.

The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) says restaurants and takeaways which ignore pest management are putting the lives of their customers at risk and hopes the move will ensure every catering business in the area takes their responsibility for pest control seriously.

But it insists stronger punishments will only act as a greater deterrent if they’re imposed across the board, from large organisations to sole traders, on a regular basis.

Simon Forrester, chief executive of the BPCA, said: “The laws governing food hygiene make business owners fully responsible for pest control at their premises.

“Those who ignore it and end up with infestations on their sites should be made to pay the price.