Are delayed bin collections feeding a rat problem?

With delays of over a week to our local bin collections, which are being left out for days at a time, there are concerns that the town is facing an increase in rats.

Reports have been increasing over recent weeks, coinciding with the shambolic introduction by Powys County Council of new recycling routes, but over the weekend there was an avalanche of reported sightings.

One particular trouble spot appears to be Dolyfelin Playpark which is owned and managed by Welshpool Town Council who have struggled to get anyone down to inspect due to pest controllers being so busy.

“We are investigating (Dolyfelin) and a local pest control company was hoping to visit today, but are extremely busy at the moment as there appears to be a lot more rodent activity across the town, probably not helped by delays to collect recycling and waste from PCC,” said Town Clerk, Richard Williams.

Last Monday’s bins in both Welshpool and Guilsfield have still not been collected a week later, and the storm last week resulted in many spilling litter into the hedge rows.

Readers have reported rats in several parts of the town on social media.