"Dozens of rats" overrunning a children’s play area has forced its closure.
Manor House Play Park in Gallows Hill Lane, Abbots Langley, was closed until further notice last week after large groups of rodents were regularly spotted scurrying around.
With dozens reportedly seen coming out from the undergrowth in nearby grass verges, concerns were raised over children’s safety while using the equipment.
Conservative district councillor Ian Campbell claimed the issue had been reported to Abbots Langley Parish Council “on multiple occasions in recent months” but “no meaningful action was taken” until it became a major problem.
The Abbots Langley and Bedmond ward representative said: “As a parent myself, I find it completely unacceptable that the play park was allowed to become unsafe with rats, which are known to be harbourers of dangerous diseases.
“When I was in the park there were rats scuttling around everywhere and it is easy to see how a child could have been bitten or scratched.
“I am hoping that the play park will be made safe again soon, particularly as families want to be back at the park now that the weather is improving.”
An Abbots Langley Parish Council spokesperson highlighted growing reports of rat issues nationwide due to the warm winter, increased rainfall, and roadworks which have disturbed natural underground dens.
Explaining officers’ decision to close the play area, they said: “Whilst reports of individual rats are not uncommon given the village's rural location, it was felt sightings of a group of rats warranted closure of the play area to allow pest control contractors to install bait boxes.
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“This is not an action that we would take whilst the play area is open.”
Highways has also told contractors to cut channels through the undergrowth and lay bait boxes in the verge on Gallows Hill Lane due to reports of a possible den there.
The spokesperson added: “The parish council are committed to working in tandem with HCC Highways to address this issue."
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