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THE BUSINESS SAID IT CLOSED DOWN DUE TO ROADWORKS IN THE AREA, NOT THE ZERO FOOD HYGIENE RATING IT RECEIVED 12:19, 05 Jun 2025 Disgusting images show cockroaches found scattered around a

Wirral shop that led to inspectors calling for urgent action to be taken. A representative for the Sham Shop said they were now closed but this was due to roadworks in the area. A letter

sent on February 25, and seen by the ECHO following a Freedom of Information request, said Wirral Council food hygiene inspectors had visited the business on Grange Road West on three

occasions. Inspectors said: “The standards found at the time of the initial inspection were not acceptable due to the widespread activity of cockroaches and mouse activity noted in the

retail shop. Such conditions presented an imminent risk of injury to health.” Following a further visit, it was found the necessary works to remove the imminent risk to health were carried

out and a certificate was issued allowing the business to reopen. While some of the points raised in the letter had been addressed, the business was still given a food hygiene rating of

zero. The Sham Shop is no longer operating and a representative for the business said it was not linked to the current business now at the address. Sham (AO) Limited, the company the letter

was addressed to is still operating, according to Companies House. On February 6, a cluster of dead cockroaches was found on the floor in front of the display chiller to the butchery as well

as five dead cockroaches in other areas. On that date, droppings were found in five separate places while remnants of shredded bait were found next to bags of salt. Article continues below

On February 13, four dead cockroaches were found in four areas while two baby cockroaches were found under pallets. Two live cockroaches were found under a chest freezer and the shutter at

the entrance to the shop but no mouse activity was found. On February 19, one live cockroach was found on the wall at the entrance to the butchery and mouse droppings were found down the

side of a pallet storing salt and chipatti flour. Inspectors said this appeared to be the same as found during the initial visit. The report said: “It is imperative that excellent controls

are in place now and long term to ensure that the pest activity is adequately controlled. "Also you should have adequate procedures in place to protect food against any contamination

likely to render it unfit for human consumption, injurious to health or contaminated in such a way that it would be unreasonable to expect it to be consumed in that state.” It was also found

there was no anti-bacterial spray in the shop during the visit as well as issues with documenting food safety management. Inspectors said a deep and thorough clean was needed of the

butchery, chiller, wash basin and flooring throughout the shop while several gaps and holes needed to be filled. A representative for the Sham Shop said the food hygiene rating was not the

reason why the business closed, adding: “When the roadworks started, the shop was already struggling and then we started to look for people to try and sell the business on. The sales were

going down because of the roadworks.” The ECHO has previously reported how regeneration works in Birkenhead town centre have had an impact on businesses in the area due to the disruption

caused by the construction. Wirral Council in response to these concerns has previously promoted the fact the town centre remains open for business with pedestrian access maintained for

businesses and some work taking place outside of trading hours to minimise disruption. Article continues below The Sham Shop representative said the problem had already been fixed and

repairs were made to allow the business to reopen shortly afterwards. They stressed the current business operating at the premises was not linked in any way to what happened previously nor

was it related to the Sham Shop.