Premier Stores in Catrine was visited by several public health officials with the shutters coming down on the outlet shortly after.

One source, who asked not to be named, told the Chronicle that around 12 officers descended on the store without warning and carried out inspections in the trading area, as well as the back-store and outside yard.

Customers attempting to enter the store were unable to do so — a restriction that remains in place this week.

The local man who contacted our newsdesk added: “Our local shop, known as Catrine Minimarket, has been closed after it emerged that bin liners, allegedly containing food waste which was months old was found.” It is further understood that there have been claims that evidence of rats was found, and it was a local resident who reported the matter to the council’s environmental department.

David Mitchell, chief governance officer at East Ayrshire Council said: “We can confirm that we received a complaint, investigated a potential public health issue and have now taken action in response to what we found. We have temporarily closed the premises until the operator takes the steps we require to make sure there is no remaining issue or threat to public health.

“Following our investigation the matter is subject to a report to the Procurator Fiscal, which means we cannot provide further information at the moment.” A spokeswoman for Premier Stores added: “The premises in question are independently owned and therefore we are unable to comment.” Our photograph shows the closed-down store following the visit.