A new scheme is being proposed in a bid to drive up food standards in Hartlepool. Premises will be given a star rating and their scores will be published on the internet. Local people are being invited to help shape the scheme by taking part in an on-line survey. The Mail recently reported that one-in-eight takeaways and food outlets in Hartlepool failed strict tests. Jane Kett, principal environmental health officer for Hartlepool Borough Council, said businesses were currently given a score after inspection. It reflected the standard of food, hygiene, the structure of the premises and food-safety management. The inspections determine the frequency of future visits. But now it is proposed to turn the score into a star rating, with zero stars for businesses with poor hygiene, and five stars for extremely good hygiene. Ms Kett added: “We are also planning to publicise the star-rating on the internet, and to ask each business to display a certificate with the business name, star rating, and date of issue on their premises so that customers can see it. “However, before introducing the new scheme, we are now keen to find out what people think and that is why we have launched the survey.” People are being asked if they think publicising hygiene inspection ratings will be beneficial to customers and where they would like to see the ratings published. On-line survey forms can be accessed by logging on to www.hartlepool.gov.uk and clicking on the Your Town, Your Say link. The survey will run until January 5 and all completed forms will be entered into a prize draw offering a £20 gift voucher to the winner.