Nairn residents call for action as rat infestation in Queenspark continues
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CONCERNS over a rat infestation have led residents to say they feel let down by Highland Council.
As previously reported on the Inverness Courier, Queenspark residents in Nairn have been calling on the council for action following widespread rat sightings in the area.
In January, more than 12 households in Queenspark reported encounters with rats in the area, with one resident having caught a total of 15 in a short period of time.
Morag Anderson, of Queenspark Residents Association, said the problem is getting worse, and that they were really disappointed with the council’s response.
“In this day and age, one would think that we’d have left these issues behind, but it almost feels as we are back to Victorian times,” she said. adding: “As residents, we are really frustrated with Highland Council’s lack of response. It seems that very little has been done since the issue was first reported and now we are seeing more households having rat runs in their homes. If Highland Council does not act quickly, the issue could become worse and spread to other areas in Nairn.”
She said that one resident Allan Greer – who had found rats behind his kitchen walls after – was worried that rats were back in his property.
She added: “It’s very difficult for him as he is an owner and Highland Council said they’ll deal only with their tenants, however this is a widespread environmental health issue in the neighbourhood now.
“Families who have grandchildren are of course worried. This is really concerning and far from ideal.”
The council formerly highlighted the importance of working together with tenants in tackling the issue.
Key actions to help prevent the spread of rats include eliminating gaps in pipes, sheds and other points where rats could gain entry to a structure, as well as removing potential nesting sites by tidying gardens tidy and clean - cutting overgrown aras and clearing piles of debris and protecting compost heaps with a wired mesh.
Drain inspections, being careful with bird feeders to avoid food supply for rats in gardens, and covering any household waste where rats can get access to.
More information is available on the council's website.
A council spokesman said it was working with pest control contractor on the problem.
“The council will continue to monitor the situation and work with its contractor and residents to try and further alleviate this problem,” they added.
