THE owner of an Indian takeaway in Govanhill has claimed he “did his best” to keep his business clean despite an infestation of mice.

Mohammed Saleem applied to Glasgow City Council’s licensing and regulatory committee to open Desi Curry Palace until 1am on Friday and Saturday nights.

But this was refused following the discovery.

The property at 144 Allison Street was visited by environmental health in August following a complaint over hygiene.

Officers found evidence of mice living within the property which was in a dirty condition and the back yard used to prepare and store food.

Electric sockets and a walk-in fridge were also outside with no proof they were suitable for external use.

When officers re-visited the Indian takeaway the general cleanliness had deteriorated further.

Mr Saleem, owner of the Desi Curry Palace, was brought before the licensing and regulatory committee to explain himself.

Councillor Alex Wilson said: “This makes shocking reading and hearing that you have allowed your property to get into such a state.

“There were mice in a place where food is cooked. This shouldn’t have happened in the first place.

“Our officers had to stop you from trading. Instead of getting better the situation got worse. If that is how you manage a property, I have major concerns.

“There are people eating there.”

Councillor Robert Connelly said: “It seems to me that you didn’t care what you were doing until you found out you might lose your business.

“Why did it get into that state in the first place?”

Mr Saleem responded: “My mother in law passed away and I had to go to Pakistan. I did everything that environmental health asked for.

“We don’t prepare food outside, that’s done in the kitchen.”

Councillor John Kane added: “I am not quite sure you are talking about the same property we are reading about.

“This is dreadful. In August you were found using the rear yard to prepare food.”

Mr Saleem said: “That is not true. I did my best but I know that is not good enough. "Everything is updated now.”

Mr Kane continued: “It is our responsibility to make sure your best is good enough for our citizens. Why should we extend your opening hours?”

Mr Saleem said: “I have seven employees and need to improve sales.”

Members of the committee agreed to refuse the application to extend opening hours until 1am on Friday and Saturday nights.