Overview

• The discovery of a 22-inch 'sewer rat' nesting inside a Normanby home by a pest controller follows reports of rodents in nearby alleyways.
• Eston ward councillors David Taylor and Stephen Martin have called on Redcar and Cleveland Council to conduct a full vermin survey and implement a joint treatment plan across public and private land.
• The council says it retains a dedicated pest control officer for council property, offers advice to householders, and works with partners such as Beyond Housing and Northumbrian Water.
• Officials identify overflowing public bins and unmanaged vegetation on council land as key factors creating food sources and hiding spots that fuel the rodent surge.
• Councillors warn that without additional funding and stronger leadership on waste management, fast-breeding rats will increase health risks through potential disease transmission.