HUNDREDS of rat infestations were reported across the town last year according to new figures.

A Freedom of Information request by the Warrington Guardian has revealed the number of residents who alerted Warrington Borough Council to the presence of rats in their area.

And last year, a total of 212 reports of rats were received by the council.

This was an increase of around a third compared to the previous year – and was the highest number in the past five years.

In 2017, 166 reports of rats were received by Warrington Borough Council – while a total of 211, 189 and 168 complaints were made in 2016, 2015 and 2014 respectively.

But the council said it could not reveal which streets were most affected by rat infestations as this information was ‘not available’.

A spokesman said: “Figures indicate a rise in calls to the council, from 166 in 2017 to 212 in 2018.

“This could be due to competitive rates and increased promotion of council pest control services.

“There are a number of reasons why rats are present – including defective drains within properties, local nest disturbances, fly tipping of food waste, residents feeding wildlife, structural issues within the properties or where a property backs onto fields.

“There is a partnership agreement in place with United Utilities where, each year, we match fund the baiting of sewers across the borough in an attempt to control rodent presence.

“If a resident is concerned about rats entering their property, we advise that you regularly check your property for structural defects which could give rats access and carry out necessary repairs.

“You can report any issues and fly-tipping to us at warrington.gov.uk/report.”