I was recently visiting the Audley Mills Doctors surgery and was confronted by the little furry faces scurrying across the pathway. From afar they may look cute but they also carry many diseases. Rayleigh Town Council does employ pest control services to manage vermin on the boundaries of King George’s Park, however reading some of the comments online, today I have been in to speak with Rayleigh Town Council and established whose responsibility the control of the vermin are.

I have been told that Rochford District Council who own the car parks (and collect the significant sums of money from the Webster’s way and other car parks in our towns) are responsible for pest control. It would appear that there is a significant issue throughout our town and that has yet to be addressed.

With this in mind I have written to three assistant directors at Rochford District Council asking them for urgent attention to this matter.

One of my biggest areas of concern is the teen shelter in Webster’s way car park which is seemingly alive with rats. This is not the kind of environment that is acceptable for our younger people to have to put up with. I’m no medical expert but I would advise parents to to tell their children to steer clear of the area whilst the situation is hopefully dealt with.

As soon as I get a response from officers I will update my post and social media channels.

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About the author 

James Newport

Essex County Councillor for Rayleigh North, Rochford District Councillor for Downhall & Rawreth and Rayleigh Town Councillor for Sweyne.

  • I was in the car park yesterday by Audley Mills and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. loads of them.

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