RESIDENTS in the Bettws area of Newport are complaining about rats in the area, with parents claiming they have been seen in play areas.

Newport City Council has said they no longer have a pest control service, meaning it would have to be managed privately.

Dawn Evans, of Welland Circle, says the area has had a problem with rats for about two years, but that it has got “worse” in the last couple of months.

“It is primitive – we are going backwards, rather than forwards,” the 53-year-old said.

Cath Pingel, of Monnow Way, said they have collected 10 rats in 18 months, mostly in the garden.

The 40-year-old said: “I worry because of the diseases they carry – I am frightened to leave the back door open.”

Keith Williams, of Foxglove Meadows, said this is happening due to a lack of bins in the area. Mike Ryan, of Ogmore Crescent, on the other hand, believes the problem is due to the brook, which he thinks needs cleaning.

Bettws Councillor Janet Cleverly said “bins and rats are the biggest complaints” she has at the moment.

“I would love to have a magic wand and make all the rats disappear,” she said. “I have had rats as big as cats in my garden.”

She added she thinks there have been more rats since the bins have been collected less regularly.

“We don’t know what is going with the bin collections. Some weeks they get collected, some weeks they don’t,” said Bettws Councillor Kevin Whitehead, who claims to have caught seven rats in his garden. “I think that is contributing to the rats’ problem.

“Another reason is the cuts to the grass cutting services. It is all overgrown, acting for a safety heaven for rats.

“This is a major concern for our residents. Parents are also stating rats are running around the children’s play areas too.”

A spokeswoman for the council said that new developments in the area are putting “extra pressure” on the waste management service and that the council will be examining the route to “address issues facing the service”.

She said Wastesavers carry out weekly recycling collections. The spokeswoman added that grass cutting is due to take place in Bettws this week.

She said: “The council no longer has a pest control service and this would have to be managed privately.

“The council would advise individuals and communities to keep food waste secure to prevent vermin feeding on it.”

To find out more about recycling, visit newport.gov.uk/en/Waste-Recycling