BASILDON Council is warning people not to the feed ducks in a popular park in a bid halt a rat infestation in a popular borough park.

In recent months the rat population by the lake in Lake Meadows, Billericay, has flourished after feeding off leftover bread that people have thrown in the lake for the ducks and other birds.

The Council is now encouraging those using the park to stop feeding the birds in a bid to control the infestation.

Signs will be installed on the feeding platforms and at various points around the lake warning of the risks.

Cllr Kevin Blake, deputy leader and cabinet member for leisure and arts, said: “We understand how much people enjoy going to the park with their families to feed the ducks, especially in the summer months. However, this summer the problem with rats in and around the lake feeding on the bread left for the birds has increased.

“As a responsible local authority it is time we stepped in and took action so the problem doesn’t worsen and pose a significant health risk to park visitors.

“However, we can not do this alone. Without residents playing their part we will not be able to control this problem.

“We will soon be installing robust signs to warn people of the dangers of feeding the birds as well as running an awareness campaign highlighting the potential dangers caused by rats.”

Simon Humby, Basildon Council’s Environmental Health Manager, said: "Rats do pose problems, not only as a potential carrier of disease but also from the physical damage they cause e.g. undermining pathways and damaging drainage pipes, resulting in additional repair costs. Efforts to control infestations can be hampered by the public providing additional food sources as is the case at the park.”

Rats can transmit several diseases which can be fatal to humans, such as Weil’s disease and Murine Typhus. They also carry organisms such as Salmonella bacteria, viruses and parasites such as worms and fleas.

Rats can breed very quickly a healthy female can produce 5 litters a year each with between 6 and 8 young, with these offspring attaining sexual maturity in 8 to 12 weeks.

At any time it is estimated that as many as 30 per cent of female rats in a population may be pregnant.