Residents claim rats are 'taking over' Renfrew tenement block
He cites a "lack of interest" from Renfrewshire Council and locals "carelessly" dumping rubbish as the main factors contributing to the problem.
Renfrew resident Craig MacPherson outside his "rat-plagued" tenement block (Image: Gordon Terris) Locals say rats are "taking over" the area (Image: Supplied)
The 54-year-old feels the problem will continue to get worse unless it is addressed "properly" by the local authority.
He said: "I moved into my current property in June of last year after it was the last option put forward by the council in terms of social housing and have been complaining about issues from the start.
"The tenements on Ferguson Street back onto some close gardens, which are impacted heavily by the rat infestation.
"Rubbish had been building up regularly until the council finally came and removed a lot of it recently.
"However, there are still bins overflowing, which is one of the main things that attracts the rats.
"Many neighbours share my frustrations, particularly since the vermin are also getting into the building."
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Rats have been spotted at the location for over a year (Image: Supplied)
Craig feels that locals are fighting a "losing battle" in trying to combat the vermin and says a lot of people "do not feel comfortable" living on the street in its current state.
He continued: "I know tenants who have left and plenty who are desperate to leave.
"The gardens are peppered with rat holes, you can hear them going mental at night around the bins and the adult males are near the size of small rabbits.
"They have a perfect habitat around the back due to the state of the place and lack of care from the council.
"The number of vermin will only continue to grow. The rubbish is an eyesore, and the smell from that, and the rats, is another major problem."
Craig MacPherson is "disappointed" at the overflowing (Image: Gordon Terris)
Craig hopes the council can help deal with the rat issue, but "isn't holding his breath", claiming the street has been "abandoned" for a long time.
He added: "While I understand that some private tenants are causing issues, and the council does not have any power to resolve those problems, they could definitely do a lot more to maintain the social housing in the tenements on this street.
"Things have been abandoned for far too long, and the street has been allowed to get in this state due to a lack of care.
"It was once desirable but now it's anything but."
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A spokesperson for Renfrewshire Council said: "Our pest control team are aware of rodent issues on Ferguson Street, Renfrew, and are carrying out treatments to deal with infestations in this area.
"Residents can play their part too - as general advice, we would ask everyone ensures waste is disposed of correctly using all the bins available, and food waste is not left lying as this brings the potential for vermin and reduces the effectiveness of any treatment to eradicate any infestation.
"If you see or have concerns about vermin in your community, contact our pest control service on 0300 300 0380 or email e-prot.es@renfrewshire.gov.uk to discuss your concerns and arrange a visit to assess any rodent activity."
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