A Wickford takeaway has been slapped with the worst possible hygiene rating following an inspection by the council.

Cosmos Takeaway in Southend Road was visited by Basildon Council's food safety officers on June 17.

Officers found the takeaway required ‘urgent improvement’ and rated it zero out of five.

Cosmos, which serves pizzas, kebabs, fried chicken and chips, has previously scored well during hygiene inspections.

In 2014 and 2017 the restaurant was graded top marks – five out of five or ‘very good’.

In 2019 its rating slid to a three which is still considered ‘generally satisfactory’.

However now conditions seemed to have worsened greatly and the restaurant has received the worst possible rating.

The Essex Echo has submitted a Freedom of Information request for the full hygiene report and will update our readers with those details when possible.

When inspecting a premise, food safety officers review three criteria: hygienic food handling, cleanliness and condition of facilities and building, management of food and systems to ensure food served is safe to eat.

Cosmos was given the lowest possible rating in all three criteria.