Rats on their way out after work begins

Rats on their way out after work begins

3 June 2015

WORK is underway to deal with a plague of giant rats in Killyleagh.

An investigation by environmental health officials at the River Park and Braeside area in the town discovered rats had eaten through plastic sewer pipes close to man holes and then burrowed their way through the soil to reach the surface.

The rats — some over eight inches long — have appeared in large numbers and residents say they are afraid to open windows in case the vermin come into their homes. Parents are also concerned rats are running close to a children’s play area.

Several rats have been killed by residents and a number of others by cats.

Last Wednesday, Newry, Mourne and Down Council environmental health officials were joined by Housing Executive representatives at a meeting in Killyleagh organised by councillor Billy Walker to address residents’ concerns.

Council officials, who inspected the sewers and discovered the holes created by the rats, have laid poison and are encouraging residents not to leave out food for birds or their pets.

Northern Ireland Water has been asked to block the holes in the sewers and the Housing Executive is to remove a hedge which runs alongside a number of its properties close to several storm drains.

Councillor Walker said the proposed work will help ease residents’ concerns and is confident the rats problem will be successfully addressed, thanking environmental health and Housing Executive officials for their prompt response.

Councillor Walker said he hopes blocking the holes in the sewer pipes and laying poison will eradicate the rats problem and make life considerably easier for residents who live at this part of Killyleagh.

He added: “I have no doubt there will be a positive outcome. Residents are rightly concerned that rats are running about where children are playing and while the odd rat has been spotted over the years, there is concern so many have been discovered recently.

“I’m confident the collective efforts of Newry, Mourne and Down Council, NI Water and the Housing Executive will ensure residents at River Park and Braeside will not be faced with any more problems.”