Rats on the rampage from sewer (From Stroud News and Journal)

Rats on the rampage from sewer

SEWER rats have been taking to the streets of Stroud after being disturbed by Severn Trent's digging.

The Rats have been swarming to the surface as the work to restore the town's sewer network has been going on.

The utility company has now agreed to play pied piper to bring the rodents under control.

Lynn Edwards, principal environmental health officer for Stroud District Council, said it was very possible the increase in sightings of rats in houses, sheds and gardens in the area was down to the roadworks.

"It is quite likely," she said. "Obviously they are doing a lot of work at the moment and the rats are likely to be disturbed.

"They could be making a break for freedom through any damaged pipes. The damage to the pipes and the noise gives them an excuse to come up to the surface.

"We've asked Severn Trent to look into it and they are now looking at baiting the rats and other ways to tackle the problem."

But she said it would be wrong to assume the rat explosion was entirely down to the digging.

"There's an increase in rat problems across the country and we have noticed in the past whenever drainage work is being done.

"But warmer winters and an increase in fast food being left in bins mean the population is not under stress as much as it has been in the past."

She said people could help reduce the risk of a rat infestation by making sure household waste was properly disposed of.

"They are scavengers so they will go looking for food," she said.

"If there isn't any around they're less likely to be a problem."