Rat Infestation - UPDATE

In June 2018 many local residents reported seeing rats along the Dollis Brook, in our Riverside Park, and on the streets. Consequently, rats are coming into private gardens and, in some cases, into properties. On behalf of residents, the WFRA wrote to the Council demanding immediate action.

Other then advertising their pest control service (and its costs), and despite contacts with local Councillors and various officers, the Council did not respond to the WFRA until 5 September.

At last, on 5 September 2018, the Parks and Greenspaces team manager responded with apologies for the delay in communication with WFRA.

At an on site meeting with the Parks and Greenspaces team manager on 23 October, the WFRA were promised a report of the Council's actions. The manager, Matt Gunyon, explained that the long hot summer in 2018 had meant an increase in use of the parks but as a consequence an increase in food waste being left in the parks. This summer saw a particular rise in the number of rats across parks throughout London.

Mr Gunyon explained that dealing with the rats with poison has to be balanced against caring for other wildlife in the parks and open spaces. Next spring should see signage in the parks and along Dollis Brook to discourage leaving food out for the birds and encouraging residents to take food waste home with them.

He explained that Barnet Pest Control was working on the issues and that any further concerns should be reported to parks@barnet.gov.uk