Rats sightings prompt fears of infestation

Sinn Féin Councillor Patricia Logue said people living on the Lonemoor Road, Jacqueline Way and Cecilia’s Walk were concerned a build up of rubbish in a local back lane had attracted pests.

She urged people to work collectively to tackle the issue of vermin infestation in this part of the Bogside and Lower Creggan.

Councillor Logue said: “In the past week we have received a number of complaints about sightings of rats in laneways and people’s gardens. I have contacted all the various agencies and community organisations and made them aware of this.

“We are faced with a number of issues in these laneways with overgrown vegetation, illegal dumping and people throwing away food packaging whilst traveling through the area.

“While vermin can pass through gardens from time to time, they tend to like spaces which give them cover and were they can be assured of something to eat.”

Colr. Logue said the current spate of rat sightings was focused on a particular laneway between the Lonemoor Road and Jacqueline Way and Cecilia’s Walk.

However, other areas have suffered similar problems in the past and the causes had been the same.

Colr. Logue said keeping the public streets and laneways free from litter, especially food items, was one way of reducing the risk of rat infestations.

“If any residents need large rubbish items disposed they can contact the Council on the following numbers to have them collected from their homes: 02871374107 Bulky Waste and 02871376590 increased domestic waste up to five bags during the COVID19 emergency.

“Also the Bogside & Brandywell Neighbourhood Management group can for a small fee cut grass, power wash etc. They can be contacted on the following number.028 71261916.

“If we all work collectively to tackle some of these problems then the issue of vermin infestation in part of the Bogside could be greatly reduced.

“If any resident feels there is an infestation which needs further measures please contact me with the details,” she said.