Rats running amok in Welshpool car park

Robert Robinson, clerk of Welshpool Town Council, today spoke of his concerns about the high number of rats taking up residence in the town's Berriew Street car park.

He said: "This isn't a couple I'm talking about, after being told about the problem I went to inspect the car park and within seconds I'd seen at least half a dozen of them playing.

"One of them even climbed on the front wheel arch of a car where two people were having a drink and sandwich with the doors open. This isn't what people want to see, it doesn't give visitors a good impression of the town."

Mr Robinson said he believed the problem was mainly because of people misusing the recycling bins based in the car park. "Many people are leaving sacks there with food in, which they shouldn't be," he said.

To tackle the issue, Mr Robinson said the town council was now pressing Powys County Council for the recycling bins to be removed from the site.

He said: "The town council will consider removing the bins which we hope will eradicate the problem.

"There are recycling bins at Tesco and at Potters, and the majority of people who use the recycling bins in the car park travel by car anyway."

The issue has been a long running one, with Councillor Estelle Bleivas earlier this year saying the car park had been treated "like a dumping ground" resulting in it becoming a habitat for the creatures. At the time she said: "It's filthy and it's dangerous and not only that, tourists use that car park – is that the impression we want to give tourists of Welshpool? Giant rats on our streets."

At the next meeting of Welshpool Town Council, councillors will consider whether they want to support the idea of moving the recycling bins from the car park.

Councillor John Powell, Powys County Council cabinet member for environment, said: "The council is aware of this issue of rats at Berriew Street car park.

"We have contacted Welshpool Town Council about the possibility of removing the banks as there are alternative provisions nearby and it would reduce waste dumped at this location as unfortunately these recycling centres do attract fly-tipping.

"We will continue to liaise with the town council on this matter."