Disgusted Nerston residents say the recent demolition of Pizza Hut has caused a rat infestation in the village.
Neighbours raised the alarm with the local authority last Monday morning after spotting rats “running wild” in their gardens over the weekend.
The community have blamed the vermin problem on demolition works at the Kingsgate Retail Park.
A drive-thru KFC, Starbucks and a Greggs is currently under construction at the site of the former pizza restaurant, which closed its doors last year.
East Nerston Grove resident Jack Clelland, 67, told the East Kilbride News: “It is apparent that the demolition work at Pizza Hut has unearthed rats and they have been running wild around the entire village all weekend.
“It looks like the builders may have hit a main drain. It’s utterly shocking to see them running around the garden.
“We have young children and babies living here and pensioners in the nursing home. I pleaded with the council for advice and guidance.
“We as a community are deeply concerned.
“People need to be made aware of this and the environmental health need to solve this problem.”
Head of fleet and environmental services Shirley Clelland said: “An officer from Environmental Health spoke to Mr Clelland on May 20 and provided advice in relation to pest control.
“Environmental Services visited the area on May 21 to determine if there is a wider issue that local property owners require to address.
“At the time of the visit no evidence of rodent activity was found and as a precaution advice was left for
Mr Clelland and at a neighbouring property.”
