Poundland has been fined £100,000 after a court was told food safety inspectors found evidence of a “widespread and uncontrolled mouse infestation” in its store.

Mouse droppings and evidence of urine were found on food shelves alongside gnawed and soiled packets of biscuits, nuts, sweets and popcorn.

Droppings were also found throughout the store and its behind-the-scenes storage areas including on baby clothes.

Wimbledon magistrates court was told that the branch in Southside Shopping Centre, near Buckhold Road, had to close using emergency powers in January last year, and the retailer has now been fined with what he said to be one of the United Kingdom’s heaviest retail food safety fines recorded.

Councillor Jonathan Cook, community safety spokesperson, said: “This was a very serious rodent infestation in a busy and popular retailer so there was a very real and significant risk to public health.

“When our inspectors uncovered the scale of the problem they had absolutely no option other than use their emergency powers to order the entire store’s immediate closure.

“It was not permitted to reopen until the company was able to prove it had dealt with the problems and taken adequate steps to prevent it happening again.

“This episode showed a complete lack of regard for customer’s health and welfare and is reflected in the very substantial fine imposed on the company by the court.

“Food retail businesses must ensure that they do not jeopardise public health in any way if they don’t want to suffer a similar fate.”

Poundland pleaded guilty to four offences, and in addition to the £100,000 fine the company was also ordered to pay £12,368 towards Wandsworth Council’s costs in bring the case to court.

A Poundland spokesperson said: “We’ve learned lessons from this case, co-operated fully with the local authority and reconfirm our commitment to pursuing the highest standards of health and safety for colleagues and customers.”