A COMMUNITY in Weymouth is up in arms amid concerns a rat infestation could result in the spread of disease.
A meeting was held on Wednesday evening by Littlemoor Safety Forum (LSF) after reports of dozens of rat sightings across Littlemoor.
READ MORE: 'Rat infestation' at Littlemoor in Weymouth
The meeting, held at Littlemoor Community Centre, was attended by Dorset Council councillor for Littlemoor and Preston Louie O'Leary, anti-social behaviour safety officer for Dorset Council Ian Cooke, Alice Edgar from the local neighbourhood policing team, and residents within the area.
One resident of Littlemoor Road, Chris Davis said she fears the area could become 'overrun with rats' bringing with it the spread of Weil's disease.
She said: "Something has to be done.
"We cannot let the estate become overrun by these rats which carry diseases. It could become worse than Covid-19 if left unchecked."
As previously reported, concerns have been raised that some residents could be throwing food waste out of their windows and littering, which could be a factor into the rise of rat reports.
During the meeting, calls were made by residents and officials that there needs to be a priority of educating the public about littering and to clear gardens and alleyways of waste, which, it was argued at the meeting, is allowing these rats to burrow into and create nests.
Tony A'Lee from LSF, said: "At least 30 residents across Littlemoor have contacted me about a rat problem.
"We need to concentrate on great clearance of alleyways and gardens to stop rats from nesting."
A number of residents who raised concerns about the rat issues are currently living in social housing run by Aster Housing.
READ MORE: Calls ramp up to replace 'dangerous' Littlemoor skatepark
Anti-social behaviour safety officer for Dorset Council, Ian Cooke, said: "As an authority, there's no money for the eradication of the rats.
"It's up to the housing group to check that the houses, gardens and alleyways are tidy."
Councillor Louie O'Leary said: "None of the houses are council-run. It's all social housing - therefore it's not the council's job to clean up the failings of the housing association."
Mr A'Lee added: "We're looking to better educate the area regarding unchecked waste and to bring in tighter regualtions with housing associations."
A spokeswoman from Aster Housing said: "We’re of course concerned to hear about the issues in Littlemoor.
"Although pest control in the community is the responsibility of the local Environmental Health team, we’ll do all we can to help resolve the issue, which includes continuing with our regular neighbourhood and property inspections as well as maintenance of communal areas for which we’re responsible.
"We know rats and mice are drawn to places where there's food and shelter, so it’s really important that residents work with us and each other, to keep their gardens clear."
If you have been affected by this issue and you are living in the Littlemoor area, contact me on: sam.mckeown@newsquest.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel