Rats spotted in Roker Park as children fear returning to Sunderland beauty spot after it becomes overrun with rodents
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Residents living close to the seafront spot, and families who have visited the park, have complained about the rise in rat numbers in recent weeks.
It is believed the vermin levels have increased in recent months and residents have complained to councillors and said the pests do not seem scared of running around in broad daylight.
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Hide AdPeople in streets nearby, including St George’s Terrace and Barbary Drive and Pier View near Sunderland Marina, have also made complaints and say that the Fairy Dell is one of the worst affected areas.
Sunderland City Council has said patrols in the area will continue and urged visitors not to drop food and to take litter home if bins are full.
St Peter’s Councillor Joshua McKeith and fellow ward member Councillor Shirley Leadbitter, along with future election candidate Sam Johnston, say they have received concerns the infestation is getting out of hand.
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Hide AdAn inspection carried out by the council discovered a damaged sewer could be the cause of the problem there.
Coun McKeith said: “We have spoken with an officer at the council to see what more can be done as a result of an increased amount of people reporting rats in the park and surrounding residential areas.
"We’ve had a lot of concerns, since lockdown and especially since the relaxation of the measures, saying there have been a lot of rats in Roker Park, perhaps because they’ve been out looking for food.
"They have run out in front of families and people say they are frightening their kids.
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Hide Ad"Maybe they have kept themselves to themselves, but now they’re not scared of coming out.
"They are seeing them more and more and it’s putting them off coming back to the park.”