Helensburgh Advertiser | News | Plan in place to combat rats

Wednesday, 7th January, 2009

Published: Thursday, 1st February, 2007 10:12

Plan in place to combat rats

By Rachel Lamb

AN ACTION plan to control packs of rats plaguing the Burgh has been drawn up after the Advertiser drew attention to the growing problem.

A council spokeswoman has confirmed that pest control officers will be drafted in to check areas thought to be affected by rodents.

Worried residents raised concerns about the rat population last week after the creatures were spotted scuttling over piles of rubbish in the East Clyde Street area.

Other spots thought to be affected by the furry pests include the play area at Colgrain Primary School, a site next to Drumfork Flats which is popular with fly–tippers and a number of locations on Old Luss Road including the fire damaged Floor Plan flooring shop.

A council spokeswoman said: “The Council has a pest control officer who will investigate specific complaints however it is encumbent on the land or property owner to pay for the eradication of vermin from their property. There is no record of recent complaints from the owners of these properties.

“The locations identified however are generally in reasonably close proximity to the railway embankment which is the most likely source of the problem. Network Rail have been contacted and agreed to carry out control on their property.

“Council officers have also met with the owner of the Curry Club who has been helpful ensuring that their rubbish is bagged and binned and that litter picks are carried out by staff outside their premises.

“The surrounding area is litter picked on a daily basis with an additional treatment given to Old Luss Road. There are numerous litter bins in the area that are also emptied daily.

“The replacement Environment Warden will be tasked to carry out patrols for littering in the area and to encourage offenders to respect the area.

“The Council pest control officer will investigate these locations for evidence of vermin and arrange for the appropriate action to be taken.

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