A rise in the number of rats being spotted in Pencaitland is causing concern according to the village’s community council.

In a post on social media, the group said residents had pointed out rat sightings both inside and outside of homes.

It was noted that Lempockwells Road was a hotspot for the rats.

The group wrote on Facebook: “The community council has been approached by local residents raising concerns over the growth in rat sightings in and around the village and even indoors. Noted hotspots include Lempockwells Road where we have reports of, unusually, seeing our furry friends during the day.

“Rats are smart and capable and will exploit any and all sources of food and shelter so it’s important that we make every effort to prevent making it easy for them to proliferate in Pencaitland.”

The group advised residents to view advice on how to deal with rats from the British Pest Control Association at: https://bpca.org.uk/.../rat-control-how-to-get-rid.../188991

The group also asked residents to make the community council aware of any sightings of rats so that they could be tracked.

“If you have seen rats in recent weeks and months around Pencaitland or other parts of the ward please share where and when to help us develop a better picture of where the hotspots are” the post concluded.