'You can see rats in the street, you see them every night'

Residents in an area of Merseyside have spoken out about their concerns over rats. A petition, which has received more than 350 signatures, "demands immediate and comprehensive action from Knowsley Council to tackle the ongoing rat problem affecting our communities". It says that rats have been “chewing through gates, fences, and car wires” and “invading bins, gardens, and homes".

The petition says the problem presents "threats to public health and safety, including children, the elderly, and vulnerable residents". It is calling on the local authority to “investigate and assess rat infestations across the entire borough immediately" and to “implement a comprehensive, borough-wide pest control plan, including monitoring and prevention". The petition is also asking the council to “ensure effective waste management to reduce rat attractants".

The ECHO went to King George V Memorial Playing Fields in Huyton on Monday (March 16), one of the reported hotspots for the problem, and saw a number of rats in the park in broad daylight. Residents we spoke to aired their worries about the rodent situation. One man said he put a screw at the top of his wheelie bin to prevent rats from getting inside.

He said: “There are loads of rats in the area. You can see them in the street, you can see them every night.” He also said on one occasion he opened his bin to put rubbish in and there was a rat inside which jumped at him.

He added: “If you go towards the village, it’s ripe.” Another local said he sees “three to four” rats per night.

He added: “They get into the back garden.” A third resident, Moira Dodds, said there was a rat in his attic at one point and she could hear it scratching. Responding to the petition, a Knowsley Council spokesperson said: “In Knowsley, we understand that we all have a part to play when it comes to preventing rats and other pests. ”

The council has already, and will continue to take robust action and invest in measures to help manage rodent populations. "

These include our ongoing sewer baiting programme, regular environmental action days - when we clear fly-tipping which attracts rats - and identifying possible hot spots. "

We also take enforcement action against fly-tippers, residents and businesses who do not manage their waste correctly. “There are some simple steps that local businesses, residents and landowners can take which, combined with the ongoing efforts of Knowsley Council, will help to tackle this issue.” "

These steps are outlined on our page: 'Keeping rats away from your home - Knowsley News' .’” Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by signing up to our daily and breaking newsletter . Sign up to our breaking news newsletter here . @Liv ECHO

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