RESTAURANTS, cafes and take-aways across Fenland could be forced to have scores on their doors , declaring the cleanliness of the kitchens and eating areas. Mike Gleadow, food and safety manager at Fenland District Council, says this will help consumers

RESTAURANTS, cafes and take-aways across Fenland could be forced to have 'scores on their doors', declaring the cleanliness of the kitchens and eating areas.

Mike Gleadow, food and safety manager at Fenland District Council, says this will help consumers "have an idea of the food safety standards in the premises".

He said: "Eating places would have their food safety standards graded and placed on their main entrance."

It was one area highlighted as an improvement planned for this year in a draft food safety report discussed by councillors at last Thursday's cabinet meeting.

Also handed over to councillors was a draft health and safety report. Other improvements included:

- Promotion of smoke-free workplaces, pubs and restaurants before the smoking ban comes into force

- Launch of a Fenland Food Forum to promote food safety

- Introduction of enforcement approaches

Inspections of business premises with excellent records of food safety and health and safety standards will be reduced. Those of high risk to the public will be inspected regularly.

"It will free up our resources and essentially increase the regulation of service provided by health and safety at premises which are of higher risk to employees or the public," said Mr Gleadow.

Food Standards Agency and Health and Safety Commission require annual service plans and enforcement policies are produced by the council.