Hoards of large rats seen 'taking over' park often visited by families

16 March 2024 , 12:35

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Rats have been seen in daylight hours and are getting brazen (Image: Getty Images)

Hoards of rats have been seen "taking over" a public park often visited by families and children - in broad daylight.

Council chiefs have already been urged to take action to tackle the problem in Gosforth Central Park, Newcastle after scared locals see the vermin teaming across the area at all hours of the day. Concerns about the rat problem were raised on X, formerly known as Twitter, by former councillor Simon Bird who claimed he had “seen similar size cats”.

Mr Bird said the rats were unfazed by locals in the park, when they would usually be seen scurrying around in the dead of night. Simon said the animals had plenty of bravado and were "not even scared of people." He also said some elderly people were forced to avoid them adding: "Several old folk very startled today almost having to step over them.

Two rats were seen scurrying on the pavement (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Mr Bird continued: “We most recently raised this issue in August, and were promised pest control measures would be introduced. This has been a saga running for years, with neither the council nor Urban Green taking responsibility, so we were initially pleased that we might finally see progress."

In one of his earlier posts he wrote: "Size of this one! I’ve seen similar size cats!" He insisted the brazen behaviour of the 'fearless rats' some of whom were seen with scraps of food, was ruining the park experience for families and local residents and said current measures "didn't appear to be effective.”

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A spokesperson from Urban Green Newcastle said: “Following reports last year from local councillors in Gosforth and park users about rat sightings in Gosforth Central Park, we have received no new reports in 2024.

“The extensive bait and trapping exercise started at the end of 2023 by Newcastle City Council Pest Control team is continuing, and with the support of the Friends of Gosforth Central Park we are regularly removing brash from the park as this can be a popular place for rats to nest in. Park users have also been helping by using the bins provided on site and helping to keep the park clean and tidy.

“Whilst we understand the sight of rats can be unpleasant for people visiting the park, they are a natural part of the wildlife population in the city; particularly in densely-populated urban areas. We are however taking action - in partnership with Newcastle City Council - to address the issue where multiple sightings have been reported."

They usually appear in the hours of darkness (@SimonBird_/Twitter)

The vermin have become more brazen in public (@SimonBird_/Twitter)

A Newcastle City Council spokesperson said: “Like in all major cities, rats are unfortunately a part of life and we understand it can be distressing for people seeing them in their communities.

“In parks managed by Urban Green Newcastle, such as Gosforth Central Park, we identify potential sources of rats in the area and take appropriate action where necessary when requested to do so.

“Our dedicated team of qualified pest control technicians provide an expert, cost effective service.

“Any residents with concerns about rats can call the Council"

The Mirror previously reported how a team of rat experts were brought in to tackle a "biblical plague" of rats in Blackpool. Residents living in Norbreck witnessed rats nesting in their garden sheds, chewing through car wiring and even sitting on windowsills. Heavy rain and flooding is believed to have brought the massive influx of rats seeking drier ground.

Pest control professionals have now been able to bring the problem under control but Councillor Julie Sloman warned how future housing projects should include measures to control rats if the ground is disturbed during construction. She also pointed out that other areas of Blackpool have also had rat infestations. Cllr Sloman said at a council meeting on January 31 how the area in Norbreck has "been infested by what I can only describe as a plague of rats of almost biblical proportions".

Graeme Murray