EXCLUSIVE by Gary Fanning
A community leader is calling for swift action to tackle a severe rat infestation in Garnethill.
William Beckett, chairman of Garnethill Neighbourhood Watch, has identified no fewer than 32 burrows, estimating that up to 400 rats are wreaking havoc in a block of flats in Buccleuch Street.
He is also raising concerns over another massive rodent problems in Hill Street, Sauchiehall Street and Renfrew Street, questioning the true scale of the infestation across the city centre.
Mr Beckett has met with Link Housing Association, Glasgow City Council's pest control and ward councillor Philip Braat to address the crisis.
He told The Splash: “We initially found 23 burrows Buccleuch Street in June, but that number has now increased to 32."
Worried William Beckett by ravaged bins in Sauchiehall Street backcourt. Photos by Gary Fanning
Efforts are underway to address the issue, with the Link Housing Association buying fencing to control the infestation and the council baiting the area.
Mr Beckett said. "That's how bad it is—baiting three times in one week.”
Dead animals have attracted birds, indicating that the treatment is somewhat effective.
The situation at Buccleuch Street, near its junction with Rose Street, is particularly bad.
Mr Beckett added: "The open space near the bin shed is like a sandpit with massive burrows. Baiting and filling these burrows will take time.”
Mr. Beckett has raised the alarm over another severe infestation in the back court of a flats on Sauchiehall Street, near the Bank of China.
Concerns have been raised that the rodents could gain access to the grounds of the nearby Garnetbank Primary School in Renfrew Street.
Some holes have appeared in the back wall and disused wash houses of a nearby property, exacerbating the issue.
Mr Beckett added: “The rats are breeding there, and you can hear them squealing.
“My concern is they could gain access to the primary school.
"I spotted about six or seven rats scurrying around the ground, on top of bins, and inside the bins. The rats are running wild.
“This is a major concern. We've repeatedly contacted the factor and the council, and we demand immediate action and would like the two old wash houses to be knocked down."
Rat-rageous The bins chewed up in Sauchiehall Street
The Factor have been urged to address the problem swiftly but declined to comment when contacted by The Splash.
Mr Beckett has reported a significant infestation on Hill Street, worsened by the failure to collect bins on five occasions due to blocked access for the bin men.
He went on: "There are major problems on Hill Street. Some residents are parking their cars where they shouldn't, preventing the binmen from accessing the bins. This is exacerbating the infestation and making the situation even worse.
Adding to the urgency, Mr Beckett revealed that the problem of rats in the area has persisted for over a decade, aggravated by food waste and inconsistent bin collections.
He said: "People say that the Art School fire added to the problem, but it has been an issue for 10 years.
"There is a lot of food waste lying about, and bins are not getting collected, so the rats are increasing."
The situation is so severe that Mr Beckett has captured video footage of rats in an open green space on Renfrew Street. Up 12 rats were spotted running around in broad daylight.
Environmental Health fenced off part of the area and laid down bait, and community posters warning of the infestation.
Infestation alert Rats burrows into Renfrew Street
However, Mr Beckett laments the limitations of pest control in open spaces, expressing concern that the situation is out of control, adding: “Pest control can’t cover open areas effectively. Rats are becoming active during the day, not just at night.”
Mr Beckett blames recent budget cuts for the crisis.
He insisted: “Pest control once had 28 teams and vehicles across Glasgow; now it’s down to just eight.
“The reduced capacity means they can’t keep up with the demand.”
Warning Placard urging the public not to scatter food in Renfrew Street
Mr Beckett is hopeful for change with the incoming Labour government, urging increased funding and personnel for pest control.
He added: “We need to return to a cleaner, safer city.”
Action Rodent bait deployed
A council spokeswoman said: “Our pest control team is currently working overtime to meet demands on the service.
“We are advising Link Housing Association on steps which they should take at their properties in Buccleuch Street.
“We have applied bait at this location and advised the housing association to undertake a drain survey as this may be where the rats are coming from.
“The fenced area at Charing Cross is under review and we are closely monitoring the situation.
“The properties in Renfrew Street are privately owned and the owners have appointed private contractors.”
Last month, Link Housing Association met with Buccleuch Street tenants to address concerns about a rat infestation.
Their spokesperson said: “Following this, Link has been in close contact with Glasgow City Council’s Environmental Health Services team, who has taken several measures at Buccleuch Street to support Link tenants and the wider community, including baiting areas, blocking access points, erecting fencing and relocating bins.
“The situation is being monitored regularly and further steps will be taken as appropriate.”