Rats Left To Breed In Sewers

The streets of March could be overrun with rats if they are not kept under control, a pest control expert has warned.

Tom Bannister claims there has been a rapid increase of rat sightings in the town, close to the River Nene in the last year.

Mr Bannister, who has been a pest controller in March since 1983, and is the owner of ATB Pest Control, believes the main cause is that rats are being left to breed freely in sewers.

He said: "There is no co-ordinated effort to kill the rats from the sewers. I'm convinced that when the food runs out down there they will be freely walking around March High Street and other busy streets. This is a serious problem under our feet. It's like a volcano that's ready to erupt."

"It is a national concern that is prominent in river towns like March. These rats carry life-threatening diseases like Weil's disease. This can easily be picked up by somebody sitting on a riverbank after a rat as been there. Rats are cautious but not afraid of people. They are clever will often sit and watch a person eating food and be ready to pounce on the scraps. When somebody sees a rat it is likely that there are another 10 nearby."

Rodent control is managed by local authorities in conjunction with water and sewerage companies. Councils used to offer free pest control service to private properties but the service is now charged. Charges vary depending on the service required but basic rat clearing is £34.26. People claiming benefits can apply to get money back.

A spokesman for Fenland District Council said: "A contractor working for the council carried out a rat clearing operation in the summer and no incidents have been reported to us recently concerning rats in March."

However angler Michael Smalley from March said a rat jumped on his leg on Sunday when he was fishing near Riverside Practice. Mr Smalley hit national headlines five years ago when he was bitten by a poisonous snake when fishing in the town.

He said: "I saw two rats fighting on the riverbank and then one of them jumped on to my lap and ran off. I'm seeing more of these rats all of the time when I'm out fishing and it's a real worry for us anglers. I blame the recent influx of boaters coming through March. Many of them have no respect for the laws of the rivers and drop litter everywhere that the rats feed on."

Ian Smith, chief executive of the Middle Level Commissioners, which has responsibility for the river, said: "I have not been made aware of any recent problems caused by boaters in March. If anyone wishes to raise any concerns I invite them to get in touch with me directly."

Article provided by ATB Pest Control