Huntingdon residents describe rat infestation near High Street homes

Rats have made a home for themselves off the High Street on Castle Hill Lane Path by gnawing through a green CCTV control box and forming burrows in the ground next to a waste collection point. 

The rats were first reported to Huntingdonshire District Council's (HDC) pest control officer in September 2022, but the situation has become worse, with residents becoming desperate and one commenting that it is now "beyond a joke".

Irina Tapuc, who lives on the High Street with her partner and four-year-old son, said: "It's just unacceptable.

"We are spending our spare time out of working hours just dealing with this, it's just becoming so distressful, and it's really not right.

"My little boy wants to go out and play, but we can't let him. The thought of your children with the rats outside is unbearable."

Residents say the rats aren't afraid and roam freely outside their homes. (Image: Irina Tapuc)

A rat exits the CCTV control box. (Image: Irina Tapuc)

"I have to hold him in my arms because every time we pass by the bins area, we see up to four-five rats running around.

"We're really in such a tricky situation and don't know where to reach out."

The burrows and holes created by rats to nest. (Image: Newsquest)

Irina added that she has also been forced to stop her child-minding business, which she runs from her home, due to fears for the safety and wellbeing of other children.

Baiting programme

Irina and other residents say that the "dumping" and "fly-tipping" of rubbish bags placed by other homes on the street at the waste collection point in the summer has attracted the rats.

HDC's pest control officer confirmed rat activity in the area following a visit in November 2022 and said in correspondence with Irina that the rubbish bags would be a "contributing factor in attracting rodents to the area".

The waste assembly collection point at the end of Huntingdon High Street next to the Rat's nest. (Image: Irina Tapuc)

Waste residue from inside the rubbish bags isn't regularly cleaned up and is left on the floor next to the nest. (Image: Newsquest)

A baiting programme was carried out, however, due to where the rats are active near benches, bins and public areas, HDC said they could not lay bait at some points due to safety concerns.

A spokesperson from Huntingdonshire District Council said: "The council will continue to investigate complaints from residents regarding rats in this area and can take action where rats are found living on the land in substantial numbers."

Rats were first spotted by residents at points A and B. The rats have now spread to points C, D and E by the bins, with the holes at A and C becoming much bigger during 2022 (Image: Google 2023/Irina Tapuc)

However, the baiting programme has not got  rid of the infestation, and the rat problem has escalated.

Residents have not heard any news from HDC since November or received further external help.

'Absolutely horrendous'

Catrina Brunet, who also lives on the High Street, said: "This doesn't seem to be being dealt with by the council as this is a very bad infestation.

"This is a very serious problem because it is going to become summer soon, and the rats are going to breed even more.

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"This situation, if not handled, will end up with rats inside people's homes, and this is against human rights."

The Old Bridge Hotel in Huntingdon opposite Castle Moat Road and the rat's nest. (Image: Newsquest)

"It's horrendous, just absolutely horrendous. No one seems to be doing anything about it," she added.

'No evidence found'

Irina said that once the bin collection happens, there is no cleaning of the residual rubbish, which allows the rats to feed freely in the following days.

One rat prepares to poke its head outside the CCTV control box, which is not the responsibility of HDC. (Image: Irina Tapuc)

Addressing the waste concerns, the HDC spokesperson said: "The council has also responded to concerns about waste being left between High Street and Castle Moat Road. 

"This is an area used for the collection of waste from certain properties.

"Where there are reports of waste not left in accordance with instructions for collection, the matter is investigated, and enforcement action is taken. 

"In addition, bags are inspected for evidence of gnawing by pests and wildlife, and to date, no evidence of this has been found."

Residents have, however, said they have seen rats trying to enter bags and are fearful that the situation will not be resolved.

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