The borough council has cracked down on rats in Hatfield by inspecting local businesses’ waste management methods.
Welwyn Hatfield Council launched its campaign to tackle the issue by warning shopkeepers it would be assessing how they were dealing with food waste – a core problem that attracts rats.
Last week officers checked external areas around premises for appropriate waste storage and searched for possible pest harbourage, such as nests.
Where necessary, they also checked that appropriate pest control measures were in place.
Councillor Bernard Sarson, executive member for business, partnerships and public health, said: “We take the situation with irresponsible waste management very seriously because, as we know, this can lead to the presence of rats in an area where people shop and socialise.
“We wanted to work with local businesses to ensure the areas around their premises are not just clean and tidy – which many are – but that they have appropriate measures in place for this to continue.”
Councillor Helen Bromley, executive member for environment, added: “The day went very well, with some businesses expressing appreciation for our visit and advice.
“But we must remember that in visiting the town we all have a part to play; we must ensure our litter is disposed of properly and we don’t feed birds in this area, food for which can also attract rats.”
To combat the rat population specific pest control measures are being investigated by the council and street cleansing in the area has been increased.
Are rats in Hatfield still a problem? Email your thoughts to letters@whtimes.co.uk
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