A Northampton soft play centre says it is working to restore its five-star hygiene rating after inspectors knocked them down to zero following the discovery of a mouse infestation earlier this year.

Bezerk Active Play, in Clayfield Close, Mouton Park, was inspected by West Northamptonshire Council on April 15, 2026, and given the worst possible rating.

The findings have been released this month to the Chronicle & Echo following a Freedom of Information (FoI) request, which stated that the mouse problem lasted from August 2025 to April this year.

In response to the FoI report, a spokesperson for Trilogy, which manages the soft play park, said: “It was unfortunate that we experienced an issue with mice, influenced by seasonal factors and our location.

Berzerk Active Play, in Clayfield Close, Moulton Park, was inspected by West Northamptonshire Council on April 15, 2026, and given the worst possible rating.

placeholder image — Berzerk Active Play, in Clayfield Close, Moulton Park, was inspected by West Northamptonshire Council on April 15, 2026, and given the worst possible rating.

“We acted immediately on the advice of our pest control specialists and the environmental health officer (EHO), implementing all necessary measures to address and resolve the situation.

“The EHO was satisfied with the actions taken, allowing normal business operations to continue. We are now working closely with them to regain our historic five-star food hygiene rating that we proudly held prior to this isolated incident.

“At Berzerk, we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and customer experience, ensuring everyone can visit with confidence.”

The FoI showed a pest-control record from October 2025 that said a mouse had been seen near reception. It identified access beneath the staff entrance and said it “will need blocking asap”. Traps were also recorded underneath the ice cream fridge.

The council’s records listed further mouse sightings inside the premises on October 21 and December 3, 2025.

A dead mouse was recorded on November 24, with another found on December 3. The records also noted that numerous mice were caught inside the premises on December 18.

There were further mouse sightings on April 8 and 9, 2026.

A record from April 9 described an emergency call-out after a mouse was spotted in the play area. Staff caught the mouse and the venue closed for the afternoon while a thorough clean was carried out.

The record said the mouse was “dispatched” and additional traps and stations were put in place.

During the inspection on April 15, council officers found mouse droppings throughout the kitchen and premises.

The report said food packaging stored in a box underneath the kitchen service counter had droppings inside and directly on top of it.

Inspectors also found gaps and holes in shutter doors and other external doors which could allow pests to enter. The business was told a full building survey was needed.

The council’s report said: “Significant widespread mouse activity has been identified alongside the absence of functioning hot water supply to the kitchen preventing adequate cleaning and disinfection of work surfaces and equipment.”

Inspectors also criticised the standard of cleaning.

The report said: “The standard of cleaning was poor. There was a build up of dirt and debris underneath surfaces and equipment and dust had accumulated at high level at the rear of the kitchen.”

It added: “A thorough deep clean (and disinfection) is needed.”

The inspection records said the kitchen boiler had not been working since April 4. There was no hot water at the wash hand basin or sinks, and the business was told to repair or replace the boiler.

A letter sent to Trilogy Active Ltd, which owns and runs Berzerk, on April 21 confirmed the zero rating and set out the work required to avoid further enforcement action.