Rats: ‘They are out of control’

Changes in the council’s rubbish collection routine is one of the causes being blamed for Welshpool’s rat problem, but whatever it is the issue reached critical stage yesterday (Monday).

Readers contacted us to say that dozens of rats could be seen scurrying around the bins in Berriew Street Car Park, and Powys County Council’s promise to sort it out can’t come fast enough.

One reader said she saw at least 20 rats that were running around her feet as she dropped off her rubbish, while another said what she saw was “horrendous” and all because "the council is only picking up our rubbish once every three weeks now".

Kylie Adler, Centre Manager at the close by COWSHACC added: “It’s disgusting down there today. So much rubbish and loads of rats running around.”

Last week we reported how the situation was worsening with both the town council and county council promising to co-ordinate action.

Both sides blamed the increase in rubbish being dumped carelessly at the site, but readers warned of the dangers that reduced rubbish collections would create, and the resulting rat problem is a classic case of “we told you so”.

Powys said they will consider removing the rubbish bins but this could worsen the town’s problem with fly tipping on the up.

Town Clerk Robert Robinson said the issue was at the top of the town council's agenda too.