- A supersized rat, measuring 22 inches long, was captured by pest controllers at a home in the Normanby area of Redcar and Cleveland.
- Councillors described the rodent as “almost the size of a small cat” and claim pest control issues have become “out of control” since the end of free services in the Labour-run local authority.
- Eston ward councillor David Taylor warned that rodents are becoming “brazen” and called for an “urgent action plan” including a borough-wide survey and treatment plan.
- The Redcar and Cleveland council clarified that it has a dedicated pest control officer for council-owned land and offers advice to residents, while working with partners to address complex issues.
- This rat is thought to be the biggest caught in the UK, surpassing a 21-inch rat found in Bournemouth in 2018, with average UK rats growing up to 11 inches.
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