AN “EXPLOSION” in rat populations has prompted a petition urging town bosses to take action in Eastleigh.

Members of the Conservative Party are urging civic chiefs at Eastleigh Borough Council to take action after rats were reported to have invaded people’s gardens and homes in Chandler’s Ford and Hiltingbury.

As previously reported, residents have been complaining about rats in the area and in Valley Park for the past five years.

Now opposition councillors in Eastleigh are urging the council to come up with a plan.

Judith Grajewski, leader of the Conservatives group and borough councillor for Hiltingbury ward, said: “Local Conservative councillors have opened a petition and the response on the doorsteps has been very positive. Local residents have had enough. This is affecting people’s quality of life. We are never going to get rid of rats completely but I’d like the council to come up with a policy and a plan to deal with the rats. There has been an explosion in rat populations in the last few years and that has to be addressed as soon as possible.”

Cllr Grajewski is urging the borough council to work with neighbouring authorities, and said: “We are still calling for meaningful action to deal with the problem as a matter of urgency.”

Council leader Keith House said: “The borough council meets all of its statutory duties in this area.

“Residents can help by not leaving food out for birds and other animals that only encourage rats.”

The issue was also raised by Chandler’s Ford councillor Margaret Atkinson during the Chandler’s Ford and Hiltingbury Local Area Committee held last week.

Cllr Atkinson’s motion has been passed and the issue is now expected to be discussed by cabinet members.

A resident who lives in Bodycoats Road said: “I’m a bit worried they can bring diseases or bite children.”

Valley Park Parish Council, Test Valley Borough Council and MP Caroline Nokes have joined forces to tackle the issue.