Rats on rise innews borough parks
PEOPLE URGED NOT TO LEAVE RUBBISH BEHIND
A COUNCIL leader has hit out at people discarding litter and partly eaten food in Gedling amid reports of a “significant increase” in the rat population invading the area.
Labour councillor John Clarke, leader of Gedling Borough Council, who represents Netherfield, says he has seen several “large rats” while out for a walk in Arnot Hill Park.
He fears this is the result of people discarding food and litter, particularly those who picnics in parks.
Councillor Clarke’s concerns come as rat populations across the county continue to increase.
Other areas of Nottinghamshire, particularly Lenton in Nottingham, have also experienced similar issues with growing rat populations.
Councillor Clarke said: “We’ve noticed it over the summer really.
“I observed it the other day. There were several rats and they were quite large.
“We have more than 1,000 bins around the borough which we try and keep on top of.
“But we urge people if they take things out would they please take their rubbish back.”
At the beginning of the year it was reported that Nottingham had experienced a 25 percent increase in its rat population, rising from 537,195 to 671,493, in 2020.
Nottingham City Council said it was likely caused bylockdown measures amid the coronavirus pandemic, with the measures proving a problem for pest controllers.
Residents in the city said some rats were so big they were scaring children as they walked to school.
Councillor Clarke added: “It is very frustrating.
“It is a national problem. I have got ideas to take up with the parks and gardens team. I know some people have rats as pets but these are sewer rats that do carry disease and I think a lot of it can be prevented.
“It is one of those really simple things really. Just pick up your rubbish. I have been appalled to see all this rubbish about. People need to be more responsible to teach their children.”