Increase in rats in Carlisle to be discussed at council meeting

Concerns will be raised over a percieved increase in rat activity in Carlisle at a meeting in Workington next month.

Members of Cumberland Council’s executive committee are due to meet at Allerdale House on Tuesday, April 7.

The issue will be raised during the time set aside for public participation where a resident will get the opportunity to ask a question.

They will ask: “I live in the city centre within the Castle ward. There has been a clear increase in rat activity across the area, and the problem is not limited to single properties.

“I see them where I live on Fusehill Street, connecting streets like South Street, Myddleton Street and Rydal Street, and neighbours have told me they see them on King Street and English Street.

“The current charge of £76 for a visit to a private address does not provide a practical solution when rats are widespread in public areas and move freely between properties.

“In parts of the city centre there are homes and businesses that do not have wheelie bins and rely on seagull sacks, which are easily damaged and do not prevent access to food waste.

“These conditions make it difficult for residents to control the problem on their own and raise a significant public health concern.

“My question is: Under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949, Cumberland Council has a duty to take reasonable steps to keep the district free from rats.

“The council also has duties under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 in relation to waste, accumulations and statutory nuisances.

“Could the executive explain how these legal duties are being met in Carlisle and what proactive measures are in place to prevent and control rat infestations?”