A rat infestation on a Workington estate prompted an emergency meeting.

Northside residents met on Tuesday with representatives of Allerdale and town councils and housing association Your Derwent & Solway to address the issue.

Tonia Abraham, 42, of Hill Crest, called for the meeting to be held.

She said: "We've always had rats in Northside, but never like this. A lady told me she was driving along the road and saw what she thought was a cat and slowed down.

"It was a rat, that's how big they are. It's the whole estate. My mum's dog got ill because of them and I'm worried the children are going to get ill too."

A spokesman for Allerdale council said environmental health officers, waste management and environment services were working with United Utilities and Workington Town Council to tackle a combination of factors to solve the problem.

A Your Derwent & Solway spokesman said: "We have met with our specialist pest control contractors and are taking a proactive approach to the matter, blocking off runs, laying bait boxes, and ensuring waste land is clear and trees are cut back.

"In addition to this we have been working with Allerdale, partner agencies and land owners.

"We have advised residents on steps they can take such as not leaving out bird feed and ensuring all rubbish bags outside are placed securely in bins, and have asked them to map any sightings to enhance our strategic approach."

A meeting to update residents will take place next month.