People on a street in St Ann’s are worried about rats running wild. According to residents, the issue has been going on for years on Pearmain Drive.
Many are concerned about their pets and children as they have witnessed rodents scuttling around the area. People have reported these concerns and some are still waiting to hear back from Nottingham City Council.
Peter Fisher, 76, lives on the road and is a carer. He was aware of the rat infestation on the road and said: “There’s lots of rats in my garden, I’ve baked my garden with traps but this problem has been going on for years. The rat infestation has built up along the back alleyway. I’ve caught a few myself, it isn’t the nicest thing.”
He said there is a back alleyway behind his house where the rats will come down into his garden. Peter pointed out the health and safety concerns and said: "The alleyway is overgrown, I know someone has complained of it being a fire hazard, it’s blocking their fire exit. It used to be trimmed back but it isn't anymore.”
Peter would like to see the authorities come out and solve these issues and is vigilant when walking his dog.
One resident who has chosen to remain anonymous has also noticed the rat infestation and reported it to the Nottingham City Council. They said: “I’ve reported it, I’ve put rat poison down and these are big rats.
“100% it needs sorting out. I reported it to the council and they did nothing. I’m concerned about my children, there’s rat mess all over. It’s been going on since even before Covid.”
Sixty-six year-old university worker Diane Dilks also lives on Pearmain Drive. Diane said she hasn’t noticed a rat infestation and doubts they could be hiding under her decking.
She said: “We’re out in the garden a lot and we haven’t seen anything. We are having a problem with trees blocking out the natural light from the garden. They aren’t our trees and we have reported it to the City Council and heard nothing back. When we’re in the kitchen, we have to keep the light on because there’s no natural light.”
Another resident who chose to remain anonymous said that they have reported complaints of rats in the area and said: “It’s been going on for ages but obviously nothing has been done, it’s a shame because it’s the only downfall of the area and I’ve lived here for years.
“It’s not just one or two rats, there's quite a few and I’ve literally seen a rat move a rat trap that I’ve left out. Hopefully it will be sorted by the summer holidays when everyone’s kids are out about, rats carry all sorts, you don’t want it in your area."
Ian Stott is 43 and works in a local school in St Ann’s. Ian also volunteers with the clean champions and can understand why people are concerned. He said: “I’ve not seen any rats apart from the ones my cats leave, there’s always a few bits of rubbish on the park but I can understand people’s worries, you’re never too far away from a rat.”
A Nottingham City Council spokesperson said: “If someone wishes to highlight an issue in their neighbourhood, including litter, they can do so at www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/reportantisocial and we will look into it as soon as possible."
