An infestation of rats is causing misery for residents in Maryport’s Netherton area.

Hairdresser Paul Glaister, 44, of Bradbury Terrace, was bitten on the hand by a rat and needed medical treatment.

Helen Stuart, of Elizabeth Street, and Elizabeth Sewell, of Boyd Street, have both found rats in their bathrooms.

Mrs Sewell said her neighbour, who has baby, also had rats in her house.

Mrs Stuart, who has been unable to get rid of rats in her house, said she sought medical attention because she could not sleep, while a Victoria Terrace man claimed he caught and killed four rats.

The Sandy Lonning area and its allotments have not escaped and Maryport Town Council said on Monday that it will investigate paying rat catchers to try and rid the allotments of vermin, which might help the rest of the area.

Debbie Rumney, of School Close, said rats in Sandy Lonning were a problem.

Other residents suggested that the demolition of old houses in Victory Crescent had disturbed the rats.

David Farish, of Lancaster Terrace, believed the problem was caused by dog fouling while other residents blamed litter and discarded takeaway meals.

A faulty drain cover may be at fault and United Utilities has pledged to send staff to ensure that there are no drains through which the rats may be coming.

A spokeswoman said that sometimes drains can be left open if a new bathroom has been fitted.

Residents contacted Allerdale council about the problem, but were told it was not responsible for pest control on private property.

Ian Payne, Allerdale council’s strategic manager for places, said: “It is sometimes the case when home owners have issues like rats that they feel it’s the council’s job to ‘sort out’ their problem. That is not the case.

“The council only has a legal duty to ensure that owners keep their land free from rats and mice; we do not have a statutory duty to carry out treatments.

“The council does provide a pest control service to home owners, businesses and the wider community.

“We are unable to make this a free service, so make a charge to cover the cost of labour and materials.”

Mr Payne urged householders to discourage rats by getting rid of potential food sources, cleaning up spilled rubbish and placing refuse sacks in dustbins with lids.

He advised that dustbin bags should not be left out days before they are due to be collected.