Spalding town centre planters fenced off to tackle rat issue

Planters in the centre of Spalding have been fenced off by council bosses as they bid to rid the town of a rat problem.

The wooden flower displays and the benches outside Boots in Hall Place have been blocked off by South Holland District Council 'for public safety'.

The area has been the source of issues with pigeons - with councillors trying to stop people from feeding the birds as they sit in the circular area.

However, it's now feared that food dropped in this area is also attracting rats and this has prompted the latest move.

A district council statement explained: "Following reports of rodents in Spalding town centre, we are working with contractors to deal with the issue.

"For public safety, the seats and planters outside Boots will be fenced off during this process, which should last for two to three weeks.

"Apologies for any inconvenience caused."

Earlier this year, council bosses employed someone to fly a hawk through the town centre in a bid to scare off the pigeons, amid fears their mess was leaving the town unsightly and hazardous.

It had been said that the 12-week trial had eased the pigeon problem.