Izzy Lepone 05 August 2025

Councillors fear pest issues amid discovery of colossal rat

Councillors fear pest issues amid discovery of colossal rat image
Black rat with long whiskers resting on yellow patterned fabric. © Neskuchniy071 Vladimir / Shutterstock.com.

A vermin case involving a 22-inch rat found in a Normanby home has raised concerns about a council’s pest control management.

The cat-sized rodent was caught by pest control services in the Redcar and Cleveland area, prompting Conservative councillors to call for a ‘proper vermin control strategy’ after viewing an image of the rat, according to The Independent.

Councillors have reportedly criticised the discontinuation of free pest control services for residents across the borough, which they argue has caused the issues to escalate.

A spokesperson for Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council emphasised that a ‘dedicated pest control officer’ oversees the management of ‘pest issues on council-owned land’.

‘While we no longer provide a wider pest control service, we do offer advice to residents where possible.

‘The council continues to work with Beyond Housing, Northumbrian Water and other partners to address complex issues and explore potential solutions. There is also helpful guidance and preventative measures on our website to support people in dealing with pests’, they added.

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know image

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know

Councils and mayors are to be handed a central role in developing skills pipelines for local industries, as the Government unveils what it calls a ‘fundamental change’ to the education system aimed at tackling youth unemployment. Here's what council leaders and officers need to know.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Social Worker - Adoption Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£36124.0000 - £51834.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Adoption Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time - 37 hours per week£36,124 to £51,834 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Social Worker - Learning Disability & Autism

Essex County Council
£48205.0000 - £57988.0000 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
Senior Social Worker - Learning Disability & AutismPermanent, Full Time£48,205 to £57,988 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Finance Officer - Income Collection

Essex County Council
£25959.0000 - £28621.0000 per annum
Finance Officer - Income CollectionFixed Term, Full Time£25,959 to £28,621 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Democratic Services Officer

Essex County Council
£30295.0000 - £35641.0000 per annum
Democratic Services OfficerSecondment, Full Time£30,295 to £35,641 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Democratic Services Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£47,730 - £57,837
Democratic Services Officer
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Linkedin Banner