Rats are continuing to blight a back lane in Newcastle's Chinatown more than a year since those in the area demanded action from the city council.
Large numbers of rodents can be seen on a daily basis in the lane which runs behind Stowell Street and Newcastle's town wall, according to the nearby Tyneside Irish Centre. The lane stores many industrial-sized bins, which are collected by Newcastle City Council, and used by restaurants and bars.
Tyneside Irish Centre secretary, Tony Corcoran, spoke to Chronicle Live about the issue in February 2022 and said the problem had been going on for years but believed it was getting worse. At the time, the council said it would be sending a pest control team to assess the situation and take action if needed.
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But more than 12 months after concerns were raised, Tony said rats are still plaguing the area and are now even seen during the daytime - despite usually being nocturnal.
"The rats are still around and are still an issue," the 80-year-old said.
"Someone said they had even seen them running around on Saturday morning when usually they are nocturnal. It is to do with the bins that are kept in the back lane behind Stowell Street."
Tony called on the council to do more to tackle the problem and said the rats have even attracted dog owners who are getting their pets to kill them. The practice, known as 'ratting,' is legal in the UK under the 2004 hunting act, however, the council has previously stressed that it is not something it condones.
"We have even had the bizarre spectacle of people coming with their dogs and ratting," Tony continued.
"I think the council needs to do more about it as I think it is a real problem."
Newcastle City Council said that its pest control team takes action to control the vermin population whenever issues are reported. However, it said residents and businesses can help by ensuring all waste is bagged, put in bins with lids on, and not overfilling them.
A council spokesman said: “We understand that it can be distressing seeing rats in communities and it is an issue we take very seriously. As in all major cities, rats are unfortunately a part of life and there are several steps we take to control the vermin population.
"Our dedicated team of qualified pest control technicians provide an expert, cost-effective service to tackle them wherever they are reported in Newcastle. We also proactively engage with businesses to ensure waste is managed responsibly and educate people on how small steps taken in and around the home can reduce the risk of attracting rats.
“Rats are often attracted to bags of rubbish left beside bins so it is everyone’s responsibility to dispose of waste correctly. Residents and businesses can help with this by ensuring all waste is bagged, put in bins with lids on and not overfilling them.
“Any residents with concerns about rats can call the council's Envirocall helpline on 0191 278 7878.”
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