North West Region claims 6th spot in the national rankings and local Town TOPS nationwide rankings

THE Towns and Cities across the North West that score highest and lowest for their food hygiene ratings have been revealed, thanks to a report from online training provider High Speed Training, marking 15 years since the introduction of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.

The report, which analysed Food Standards Agency (FSA) data for over 240,000 food businesses across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, found that in the North West, the average food hygiene rating across all food establishments was:- 4.48, from:- 27,486 premises, which places the Region 6 in the national rankings.

A similar report run in 2024 by High Speed Training calculated the North West's score at:- 4.46, at 7th in the Regional rankings, showing that food hygiene standards have improved across the Region.

The top spot in the Region went to Southport, with an impressive average score of:- 4.95 from 384 premises, placing them top in the national rankings for Towns and Cities. Southport also claimed 1st in the national rankings in:- 2022, 2023 and 2024.

The lowest rated Town/City in the Region was Bolton, with an average score of:- 4.08. The biggest decrease in average rating was shared by:- Bury and Warrington, who both saw their ratings drop by 0.16.

The biggest improver in the Region was Wigan, who increased their rating by an impressive:- 0.17 from 2024, placing them 16 in the Region.

The big Regional derby between:- Manchester and Liverpool was won by Manchester, placing:- 10th with a score of:- 4.36, with Liverpool sitting at:- 14th with a score of:- 4.31.

In terms of ranking, Blackburn was the biggest improver, climbing 4 places from:- 12th in 2024 to 8th.

High Speed Training's report also found that 24.5% of takeaways across the Region scored:- 3 or below for their food hygiene rating, and that:- 86.2% of premises scored a:- 4 or a 5, including:- 88.3% of restaurants and cafes. The report also found that:- 71 premises across the Region scored a:- 0, and 520 scored a 1 on their food hygiene rating.

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) is a partnership with local authorities within:- England, Wales and Northern Ireland that was launched in 2010. It replaced a number of Regional schemes, with the aim of providing hygiene information clearly and more effectively across the UK. Following regular inspections, ratings are devised based on the standard of food handling hygiene, the physical condition of the premises and facilities and food safety management practices.

These ratings are then made available on the Food Standards Agency (FSA) website and are usually visible from outside of the premises, often presented in a window near the entrance. In Wales and Northern Ireland, it is compulsory for businesses to display their food hygiene rating. However, in England it is currently just considered best practice.

Paul Turner CEnvH, MCIEH, an Environmental Health Officer for North Yorkshire Council, said:- "Since its inception 15 years ago, the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme has played a pivotal role in improving standards across the UK. It has been incredibly successful in allowing local authorities and EHOs to effectively engage with both businesses and consumers to communicate important messages around food hygiene and safety. Prior to the launch, a number of Regional:- 'Scores on the Doors' schemes existed that, though they were effective, didn't easily allow for national comparison and benchmarking. A national standard means greater consistency for businesses and provides the public easy access to this vital information. However, we would welcome some updates to the FHRS to make it more suitable for the current landscape, which relies heavily on food delivery apps and aggregators. We would like to see this information displayed more prominently across these apps, perhaps with a traffic light system for easy identification. We are also always pushing to make the display of food hygiene ratings in England mandatory, as it is in Wales and Northern Ireland, to ensure that consumers have all the information they need to make informed choices about where to spend their hard earned money."

Dr Richard Anderson, Head of Learning and Development at High Speed Training comments:- "Food safety and robust hygiene practices should be of paramount importance to food businesses, and to the customers who use them. 15 years have passed since the launch of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, and its place in the industry is as vital as ever. These ratings are a direct reflection of how safely and hygienically that establishment operates, and we urge businesses and customers to take them seriously. For businesses that perform well, a high rating is a real selling point. However, establishments with a low hygiene rating can be extremely off-putting for customers, which ultimately have a significant impact on reputation and profitability. Our report shows that, on average, standards remain high across the UK, and have improved from 2024. This commitment to correct food hygiene training for staff, alongside robust food management procedures and everyday good practices are crucial to keep performing at high standards. We would also urge customers to check the food hygiene ratings of establishments they wish to dine at, so that an informed call as to whether you eat there can be made."

To view the report in full, and to see how your area compares to others, please click here.

Let us know your thoughts on this news topic by emailing our Newsroom at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com, alternatively please send us a message on:- Mastodon, Facebook, or Twitter.

The Southport Air Show 2025 is ready to fly, but the ground Is where the real show will be!

AS planes roar overhead the 2025 Southport Air Show which is set to fly over:- 30 August to 31 August 2025, is all set to see thousands of people turning their eyes to the skies, but those who step inside the gates will also get to discover a world beyond the flypast.

This years event will offer show spectators will also find lots to see and do on the ground, from learning experiences, history vehicles on show, and other entertainment all along Marine Drive. Whether you're a family looking for a thrilling day out, an aviation enthusiast, or simply craving a unique summer experience, this year's Southport Air Show will offer you all far more than a flyby. While the aircraft brings the magic to the skies, it's what happens on the ground that truly brings the Air Show to life.

Why Pay for a Pass?

Only inside the showgrounds will you find:-

• Interactive Family Fun... From bungee trampolines and bumper cars to classic stalls like:- Hook a Duck, there's fun for all ages.
  

• Flight Simulators... Feel what it's like to fly under G-force pressure; dare to take the pilot's seat?
  

• The Armed Forces Military Village... Explore modern defence tech, speak with serving personnel, and explore career paths with the Royal Navy, Army, RAF, and Military Preparation College (MPCT).
  

• Replica Aircraft and Living History... Meet Spitfire:- 'Lucy' and the Lytham St Annes Spitfire Ground.
  

• Display Team, view wartime vehicles, and sit in a cockpit for an immersive WWII experience.
  

• Marine Drive Market and Exhibitors... From military memorabilia to artisan treats, the seafront transforms into a vibrant market showcasing local producers and rare finds.
  

• Veteran and Volunteer Exhibits... Explore the Veterans Living History Museum, take part in an airsoft experience, and chat with members of the Military Vehicle Trust, who preserve and display restored military vehicles.

This year's air show promises more than just high speed displays and aerial acrobatics. It offers a chance to explore, discover, and interact with the people and stories behind aviation's past, present and future.

"The aircraft are spectacular, of course.. But what makes Southport Air Show so special is the atmosphere on the ground. There's education, history, hands on activities and something unexpected around every corner." says Marion Atkinson.

Book Early - Experience It All...

• Dates:- 30 August to 31 August 2025.
  

• Buy tickets at:- SeeTickets.Com.
  

• Kids Go Free with a paying adult.
  

• Easily accessible from:- Liverpool, Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire.

For updates on what is flying please see:- VisitSouthport.Com. Sadly, this year the Red Arrows will not be attending, but don't let that put you off as you will get to see a very unusual display instead.

Please also note that due to operational reasons the area will be subject to the Traffic Regulation Order under the Town Police Clauses Act 1847, Section 21. In addition to the progression of the Traffic Regulation Order under the Road Traffic Regulation (Special Events) Act, 1994, in order to preserve the integrity of the event, and control the passage of pedestrians and cyclists along Marine Drive, an additional Traffic Regulation Order under the Town Police Clauses Act 1847, Section 21 has been put in place.  The effect of the Traffic Regulation Order will be as follows:-  Marine Drive/Southport Beach will be closed to non-paying pedestrians and cyclists from Weld Road to Fairway with effect from:- 7am to 7pm, on both the:- Saturday and the Sunday. Also, road closures will be in effect from:- 7am, on:- 28 August 2025 until 11 pm on:- Sunday 31 August 2025, on parts of the Marine Drive (Coastal Road) between:- Victoria Way Roundabout (Pleasureland) and the Southport Pier Roundabout (Marine Parade)

What are your thoughts on this news topic? Email our Newsroom at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com or send us a message on:- Mastodon, Facebook, or Twitter. Please do let us know as we love to hear your views....