St Mary's Car Park Colchester sees alleged 'rat infestation'

Numerous residents have claimed they have seen rats in and around St Mary’s Car Park in Balkerne Hill.

There have also been reports in the surrounding areas.

Mark Goacher, Castle ward councillor, said: “There have been issues in St Mary’s around the car park with people reporting rats - they’ve been seen all around the car park.

Concern - Councillor Mark Goacher (Image: Newsquest)

“People have been complaining about rats in St Mary’s for several years but the rats seem to be getting larger from what people are saying.

“There have also been issues with rats in several of the streets particularly around the car park.

“It seems to me the car park needs lots of attention, there have been issues with anti-social behaviour and now there are rats around too.

“We need to get rid of them.”

Mr Goacher has now called on Colchester Council bosses to take control of the situation.

He added: “There was an issue in East Street, particularly in the empty buildings, so the main thing there is to try and get them back into use.

“I am not sure if it is down to the hot weather that there is more rodents around, but if they are being spotted and or in people’s gardens they are getting alarmed.

“Obviously people are worried about the spreading of diseases and things, that is the main concern.

Hotspot - St Mary's car park in Colchester (Image: Newsquest)

“If they’re on council property or areas maintained by the council, like car parks, then we need to think about dealing with it.

“In the old days, they used to have rat catchers and things, but there are more humane ways of dealing with them now so we do need to make sure they’re noy infesting car parks.”

Bosses at Colchester Council, however, have now said they have not yet any evidence of rats scurrying around the car park.

A spokesman said: “One of our Pest Control officers visited St Mary’s earlier today (Thursday) and found no evidence of rats.

"The bin stores were clean and empty, and there were no burrows or runs in the surrounding green spaces.

“The bin stores and bins in the car park are emptied regularly, which is one of the positive actions undertaken to deter rats and other animals.

"We would urge others to take steps of their own to discourage rats by not dropping food and other kinds of litter that can easily attract them.”