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Sandpit sealed-off after rats sighting |
CHILDREN'S sandpit in Welland Park has been sealed off by pest control officers after a report of rats being seen.
Harborough District Council has announced within the last hour (Oct 27) that a sandpit at the town park has been closed off since Wednesday, October 15, after a resident reported seeing rats underneath wooden decking.
The sandpit remains fenced off.
It is part of a the new £300,000 play area which opened at the council-owned park in August.
Council officials only made the information public today (Oct 27) despite sealing off the sandpit 14 days ago.
It is not yet known how many rats were seen.
In a press release, the council said it had 'worked quickly to deal with some unwanted guests' at the park.
The release states: "Council officers immediately fenced off the sandpit and took measures to deal with the problem, with the help of pest control staff. Signs were also put up saying the sandpit was out-of-use.
"The sandpit will remain sealed off to the public until the issue is resolved. Health Protection Agency guidelines will be followed on the best time to reopen the sandpit, to ensure there is no risk to public health."
The rest of the park is open as normal.
A woodbark surface at the play area was recently criticised by Lib Dem councillors as being potentially unsafe as it could hide sharp objects.
It also came under fire for possibly concealing toxic fox or dog mess.
A petition was launched which has been signed by hundreds of people.
Cllr Michael Rook (Con), the council's spokesman for environmental delivery, said: "Council staff are to be commended for the speed in which they dealt with this issue. They have done a great job in the securing the area.
"The situation will be closely monitored to ensure the park remains clean and safe for visitors." |
