WARRINGTON Borough Council says it is working with businesses in order to tackle a rat infestation at the Westbrook Centre.

Residents have reported regularly seeing rodents around the shopping centre for months, as well as on surrounding residential streets.

One homeowner, who lives on Westbrook Crescent, told the Warrington Guardian that she frequently sees rats while walking her children to St Philip’s Westbrook CE Primary School – and often spots more than 10 per week.

She added: “I first reported the problem in April and it’s getting worse.

“I’ve reported it to environmental health most weeks, and yet nothing gets done.

“The big worry is the children, and if the rats get in our houses the cost is tremendous to get rid of them.

Warrington Guardian:

The resident captured this picture appearing to show three rats on Westbrook Crescent

“They breed in the two ponds on Westbrook Crescent and Ladywood Road then travel over to Asda to get food.

“Environmental health promised rat traps, but nothing has ever been put down.”

Warrington Borough Council says it is liaising with retailers based at the Westbrook Centre and United Utilities in order to resolve the issue.

A council spokesman said: “We have been made aware of this issue and arrangements are being made for the immediate area to be baited, on council-owned land, which will be monitored on a regular basis for activity.

“We are also liaising with businesses and premises within the local area to improve the situation.

“In addition to this, we have a partnership agreement in place with United Utilities where, each year, we match fund the baiting of sewers across the borough in an attempt to control rodent presence – and the Westbrook area will be included in this year’s programme.”