'Signs don't help - more needs to be done to solve the rat problem in Leamington's Jephson Gardens' - do you agree with this reader's letter?

After we reported on an increase of rats in Leamington's Jephson Gardens last month, there has been much debate on the issue.

Some people have demanded action while others say it is just a natural occurrence for a park near a river.

Warwick District Council says it is aware of the situation and will continue to take action when necessary.

Click on the links below to see our previous stories on the matter:

Have you seen more rats running around Leamington's Jephson Gardens?Council says it will take action after an increase of rats in Leamington's Jephson GardensHere is a letter sent into us by reader G Birch - do you agree with the writer?

Sign won’t halt problem of rats

The council’s answer to the rat infestation at Jephson Gardens appears to consist of randomly fixing the odd printed sign to the lower rung of one or two benches, none of which were where I have seen the rats wandering about in broad daylight. The signs are difficult to read because they are so low down.

The rats are nowhere near the river so that cannot account for their presence in such numbers.

They show no fear of humans. I saw one emerge a couple of feet from where we were seated and not move despite much foot stamping and clapping.

I see them every day emerging from the Sensory Garden, the toilets’ area and in the vicinity of the Czech Memorial.

Uncharacteristically this is occurring in broad daylight, despite the presence of significant numbers of people congregating in and around the clock memorial and the cafe area.

They do not not hesitate to run back and forth between passing pedestrians.

I have even seen people feeding the squirrels, on one occasion this was by hand and encouraging their toddlers to hold out the food also.

People need to be made aware of the risk that this presents by way of disease and physical injury.

G Birch

By email

See more letters in this week's Courier and Weekly News.

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