Concern at large group of rats in Spalding street
Concerns have been expressed about the number of rats living in the centre of Spalding.
Upwards of a dozen rats at a time have been seen in the area near the former Post Office sorting office in The Crescent - which is a concern to residents and staff at nearby shops.
The area, where the rats can clearly be seen running around is just feet away from an area where hundreds of shoppers, school children, visitors and residents pass each day.
The rats seem well-fed and undaunted by people passing by.
The problem seems to be linked to the bags of domestic rubbish left ready for the weekly collection for South Holland District Council.
Sally Webb, of Gregory's Girl hairdressers in The Crescent said: "The rats are coming from the rubbish beside the old sorting office.
"Most of the weeds in the area have been cut down now, but there are always bags of rubbish left there.
"People are always leaving their rubbish there. The council come and collect it on a Thursday, but by the next day there's always more.
"The rat problem has been going on for a couple of months now.
"I think they must be living in the old sorting office.
"We've reported the problem to South Holland District Council.
"Someone has been to visit the area and I believe someone has put rat poison down."
South Holland District Council does not offer a pest control service, but will investigate issues relating to rats or mice arising in areas due to land and property owners not carrying adequate pest proofing or treatment.
Property owners are required by law to deal with any rodent problems on their property.
The council gives the following advice to prevent mice and rats on your land and property:
l Get rid of food sources that attract rodents. You may need to temporarily stop feeding birds.
l Clean up refuse areas and spilled rubbish.
l Store pet food and pet bedding such as straw in sealed containers.
l Keep refuse sacks in dustbins with lids. Seeds stored in garden sheds should be stored in containers.
l Get rid of piles of scrap wood, gathered leaves, and redundant equipment where rodents can hide. Cut back weeds and clutter around buildings.
To stop rodents entering a building, fix and replace cracked or broken doors and windows and keep drains and drain covers in a good state of repair.
If you suspect that you have a rodent problem, the council strongly recommends obtaining professional advice.
The site was given planning consent in 2011 for 12 apartments but no building work ever took place.
The sorting office building sits on the corner of The Crescent and Spring Gardens, and has fallen into ruin over the last few years with vandals breaking windows and causing extensive damage inside.
Built in 1961 by the Post Office, the building has been empty for the last few years following the relocation of the sorting office.
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