boom in town rats blamed on fast food

FAST food restaurants are contributing to the rise in rat infestations, say local authorities.

In a survey by the Robens Centre for Public and Environmental Health, based at the University of Surrey, 23 councils blamed an increase in fast food outlets and the litter left by their customers for the increase in the rodent population.

Reported rat complaints have increased by 40,000 over the past three years and estimates put the UK rodent population at 60 million, outnumbering people.

The survey of 162 local authorities also attributed the rise to crumbling underground sewerage systems, spending cutbacks and warmer weather.

Birmingham City Council claims it has the biggest rodent problem in the UK, but argues that it is up to the restaurants to keep the rats at bay.

"Birmingham City Council spends £10m a year on refuse collection and street cleaning, but there is a limit to what we can do. People producing the rubbish should clear it up and encourage customers not to dump it," said Ian Coghill, senior assistant director of environmental services.