Community leader said Bincombe Valley Primary is of concern amid rat infestation

As reported, there have been a high number of rat sightings at Littlemoor, leading to investigations into bin storage areas and drains.

A community meeting earlier this month saw residents come together to discuss the issue.

READ MORE: Fears of rats spreading disease in Littlemoor, Weymouth

A picture taken by a resident of rats in a garden at a home run by Aster Housing in Jenner Way. Picture: Tony A'Lee

Now it has been revealed the playing field at Bincombe Valley Primary School was baited against rats during the summer. Baiting is the process of using chemicals for the purpose of killing rodents.

Dorset Council, Aster - the local housing provider, and Wessex Water have all been investigating the issue of rodents in the area. Residents on the estate who are affected have been urged to contact the council.

Tony A'Lee, Littlemoor Safety Forum (LSF) co-ordinator, said some residents had reported sightings of rats coming from the direction of the school in Culliford Way.

Mr A’Lee said: "The school is of concern.

"There have been sightings by residents that there are rodents coming into gardens through the direction of the playing field."

As previously reported, concerns have been raised that some residents could be throwing food waste out of their windows and littering, which could be a factor into the rise of rat sightings.

During the meeting this month, calls were made by residents and officials that there needs to be a priority of educating the public about littering and to clear gardens and alleyways of waste, which, it was argued at the meeting, is allowing these rats to burrow into and create nests.

A spokeswoman from Dorset Council said: "The school baited their premises at the beginning of summer.

"It's against statutory guidance and not feasible to bait the whole playing field. Baiting should be targeted to prevent non-target species from eating and accumulating the poison.

"It should also be only ‘laid’ for a certain period to prevent the possibility of resistance building up in the rat population."

The spokeswoman added: "We repeat that we need those people affected to contact us directly so we may investigate appropriately. There's no cost associated with an investigation.

"Having rats in your garden is quite common and nothing to be too concerned about.

"People’s behaviour will often encourage rats. Things like not putting waste in bins, or closing bin lids tightly, not clearing dog faeces in public and private areas, storage of pet food and feeding of birds give rodents access to food and encourage infestations."

The school was contacted on numerous occasions for comment.