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21
Oct 2024
Help sought to rid Ripon riverside path of rats
North Yorkshire Council has been called upon to take urgent action to tackle a growing problem of rats on a popular riverside path in Ripon.
Mike Chambers, executive officer for the St Mary Magdalen & St John The Baptist Hospitals and Chapels Trust, raised the alarm after concerns were expressed by residents living in the St John's almshouses.
The properties border the path that runs alongside the River Skell for a distance of 50 metres from the Bondgate entance and he told the Stray Ferret:
Residents report sighting on a daily basis, some 20 to 30 rats quite openly, scurrying around the area and express their fears that the rats will soon move into their homes.
Indeed, it has proved necessary in the past for the trust to put down traps in the rear gardens of St John's as rats were using the garden wall as a run from the riverbank to reach neighbouring gardens.
Residents are also advised not to put food out and only feed birds with appropriate feeders to avoid spillage.
Food left for ducks has attracted rats to the area
Mr Chambers, who sought assistance from North Yorkshire and city councillor Andrew Williams, who represents the Minster and Moorside division, added:
What is clear from recent observation is that the rat population has multiplied considerably, aided no doubt by the tendency for duck feeding in the area.
Of further concern is that the area has a substantial number of residential properties in close proximity and the adjacent pathway is regularly used by dog walkers, parents escorting their children to and from the nearby primary school
Cllr Williams, who contacted environmental health officers at North Yorkshire Council on Friday, said.
With the many different users of this path, from families with young children to the elderly, I have serious concerns over public health. given the dangers that rat droppings can bring and I hope that officers can swiftly advise on the measures that can be taken to rid us of this most unwelcome infestation.
I would also like to ask people to think twice before leaving food out that is intended for the ducks, but only serves to bring rats to the riverbank.
Cllr Williams' views are shared by local resident Tim Tribe, who regularly walks his dogs on the path.
He said:
I see rats in this area every time I come here and the problem has been exacerbated by people leaving waste food that isn't even suitable for ducks to eat.
He added:
A rat (top right) pictured in a tree in the affected area
Rats will eat just about anything and I would like to ask those that dump their waste items, to have a bit more consideration for others who use this path.
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