WORRIED residents claim they have spotted rats in a Barrhead park.

The Barrhead News has spoken to a number of visitors to Auchenback

Community Park who say they have seen rats in a burn which borders the children’s playground.

Linda Williamson said: “Wee kids like to jump the burn and it’s full of rats. I’ve seen them and they are big.”

Allan Kincaid added: “I lifted my dog’s dirt and went to put it in the bin and these two rats jumped out. They’re so used to people, they don’t even scurry away. They just toddle off.”

A council spokesperson said: “No recent reports of rats in this area have been received, but we would encourage residents to make us aware of any particular concerns. Rats are creatures of habit, and will return to the same areas looking for food, which is why it’s so important if you see any on your property to arrange treatment immediately. Our Environmental Health team will also visit the park to investigate shared and open areas for burrows and the appropriate action will then be taken where necessary.

“Our teams have also carried out an extensive clean-up of Auchenback Community Park. Following this, our teams will continue to empty the bins and pick up litter in this area every day and also visit the park at least twice a week to keep it clean and tidy.”