MOUSE droppings on ice cream cones, cheese covered in mould and no hot water for staff to wash their hands.

These are the filthy conditions found in the kitchen of a popular Merseyside fast-food establishment.

Health inspectors found a catalogue of problems at Wimpy in Birkenhead including dirty and greasy surfaces and floors, out-of-date food and a rodent infestation.

Following the August inspection, the restaurant was given a one-star hygiene rating by inspectors – who found mouse droppings in a number of areas, including under the grill area and even on an ice cream cone stored in a cupboard beneath the dispenser.

There was no hot water in the hand wash basin, there was mould on cheese slices in the fridge and inspectors found mushrooms that were more than two weeks out of date.

Much of the kitchen floor was damaged and covered in dirt and debris, and surfaces were covered in grease, which inspectors say acts as an ‘alternate food source’ for mice and other pests.

Managers of the burger franchise, which is situated within the Pyramids shopping centre, have been told they should have ‘adequate procedures in place to protect food against any contamination likely to render it unfit for human consumption.’

They have also been advised to check stock daily and dispose of out-of-date food, and to implement a procedure to control pests.

A spokesman for Wimpy said: “For many years, Wimpy Birkenhead has been the proud owner of a 5* rating and both the franchisee and ourselves were very disappointed when this was taken away.

“We would like to reassure all our customers that food safety and hygiene is of paramount importance, and for this reason we have undertaken our own internal audits and worked with the franchisee to ensure standards are back to where they should be.

“The franchisee is now in the process of re-applying for a new star rating and we have every confidence that his hard work and improvements will be rewarded.”