A CHINESE takeaway which hit the headlines after receiving a zero-star food hygiene rating has made big steps towards turning itself around.

Inspectors criticised the Bamboo Garden during a visit over the summer for leaving duck and pork on the kitchen floor and only washing cloths once a week.

It was given the lowest possible score by hygiene inspectors and ordered to make a number of immediate improvements.

Four months on from the nightmare inspection, the takeaway has now achieved a three-star rating, with hopes of raising that to a four in the near future.

David Man, whose uncle runs the takeaway in South Bar Street, Banbury, said the restaurant was given a three in a mock inspection last week and it would now be 'reapplying for a proper certificate.'

The business has made wholesale changes after the 'wake-up call' of the last inspection, according to Mr Man.

He said: "Everything has been improved.

"We replaced all our containers to properly store the food with no cracks and sealed lids.

"Food temperatures are regularly checked and we've reduced the risk of cross contamination.

"We now use disposable cloths and boil any reusable ones.

"Areas that were previously mouldy have been scrubbed down and disinfected.

"We feel we have done everything we've been asked to do.

"The place is drastically improved."

Previously Bamboo Garden was rated 'major improvement necessary' in cleanliness and management of food safety.

It was also rated 'improvement necessary' for hygienic food handling.

Food containers were found to be cracked and dirty, sparking fears of contamination and dirty surfaces and mould by the sink added to low score.

Officers from Cherwell Council have been working with the takeaway to address the issues and have reported 'significant improvements'.

Mr Man, who has recently started helping his uncle turn the business around, said it had suffered a dramatic loss of custom since the report came out.

He said: "We didn't expect it as previous inspections had always turned out ok.

"There's no excuse for it but it was a busy time for us.

"Improvements had to be made, there's no doubt about that.

"We're now hoping some of our old customers will see that we have changed and will trust us to come back.

"People used to queue out the door to eat here but recently they have all stayed away."