Council Acts on Sauchiehall Street Rat Infestation
Residents fear the infestation could spread to Garnetbank Primary School, prompting urgent calls for better waste management and pest control.
EXCLUSIVE by Gary Fanning
Glasgow City Council has pledged to tackle a rat infestation in a Sauchiehall Street backcourt after public outcry over a video showing rodents swarming the area.
The one-minute clip, filmed by a resident, shows at least six rats climbing over bins and scaling an old washing shed behind tenement flats near the Bank of China.
The woman recording the footage can be heard exclaiming, “Oh no, look at it. Oh my God. They are climbing the walls!”
The clip was shared on the Garnethill Community’s Facebook page, where William Beckett, chairman of Garenethill Neighbourhood Watch, commented: “GNW received this this afternoon. Terrified residents refuse to take rubbish out due to the increased infestation.”
In response, a council spokesperson confirmed that officers had visited the site and a follow-up meeting with property owners and their factor had been scheduled.
"A private pest control contractor has previously been working at this address, but the measures taken have not worked due to the poor environmental conditions in the back court area," the spokesperson said.
“To help deter rats, householders, owners and factors must always ensure that food waste is properly contained within a bin and that their back court areas are well maintained.”
Environmental Conditions a Key Factor
"The council follows guidance from the British Pest Control Association, which is clear that pest-proofing buildings and improving hygiene must be undertaken before baiting can be effective," the spokesperson explained.
The spokesperson said they would be advising property owners and factors of their responsibility to maintain the site, including replacing damaged bins that allow rats access to waste.
The council highlighted that food waste left outside bins and general disrepair had contributed to the problem.
Photos from the scene show bins in disrepair and waste scattered around the area, which residents say has exacerbated the infestation.
Mr Beckett told The Splash that an education programme on proper waste disposal is urgently needed.
“Dumping rubbish on the ground defeats the purpose of pest control and leads to permanent infestations," he said.
He added that while most residents are cautious with their waste disposal, a minority are exacerbating the issue by dumping black bags on the ground.
"People are scared to go near the bins now, forcing them to find alternative ways to dispose of waste," he added.
Local Concerns
Residents have also raised fears that the infestation could spread to nearby Garnetbank Primary School, where a dead rat was yesterday (Wednesday) spotted on Garnet Street.
The follow-up meeting with the council, property owners, and the factor is expected to outline steps to address the issue and prevent further problems.
The Splash first reported on the rat issue in Sauchiehall Street in August, and the original story can be read here
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