Rats causing chaos for residents near Balderton Lake — parish council work with Newark and Sherwood District Council to tackle the issue
A householder has placed vermin traps in his garden in a bid to stop a growing population of rats.
The man, who did not want to be named, lives near Balderton Lake.
He said there had been a dramatic rise in rats running across his garden.
“Thirty years ago my wife and I bought a house near the lakeside in Balderton,” he said.
“For 28 years we were aware of rats by the lakeside and on two occasions we had spotted rats in our garden, one of which we suspected to be a escaped domestic pet.
“This has changed dramatically over the last two years and rats have become regular visitors to our garden, with one running over my foot when I was popping out to the dustbin.
“My wife no longer feels safe in the garden and we have no intention of letting our grandchildren go out there with rats roaming around.”
He said there were several factors that could have led to the increase.
“Many people enjoy feeding the birds on the lake, but people are leaving piles of bread and porridge oats, far more than the birds can eat,” he said.
“By not throwing food into the lake, but leaving it on the ground, people are encouraging rats to infest the area in huge numbers.
“More importantly, the rats are becoming bolder as they are so well fed.
“Many people do not seem to realise how dangerous these creatures can be.”
He also said the town sewer works, the development of the YMCA sports complex, the development of Middlebeck and the exceptionally wet summer had driven the rats towards the lake.
Balderton Parish Council, which owns the lake, said the issue had been discussed by councillors who promised had promised action.
The council is to take advice from Newark and Sherwood District Council’s environmental health department.
They also plan to put up notices to educate lakeside visitors on correct food and quantities and flyers will be delivered locally.
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