CONCERNS have been raised after an increase in sightings of rats in Astley Bridge.

Anthony Higham, who lives on Blackburn Road, took to social media to say he had noticed rodents wandering the streets more regularly in recent weeks.

And fellow residents also said spotting rats has been a more frequent occurrence.

As well as seeing rats on the road he resides on, lorry driver Anthony has spotted them on Greenwood Vale, Viola Street and Waters Meetings Road.

He said: "I have lived here for 30 years and I have never seen any rats here but in the last two or three weeks I have seen lots of them.

"It is a bit staggering and not something I am used to.

"I went for a walk in the morning one day and they were out in broad daylight

"I did not realise how big they grow as well!

"I have seen them running round across the road from my house.

"With work I come home at early times and I see them nearly every day now."

Anthony reported the issue to Astley Bridge councillor John Walsh, who raised the matter with Bolton Council.

The local authority says its pest control service was put on hold in line with Government restrictions during the lockdown.

A Bolton Council spokesman said: “To comply with the Government’s measures, the council’s pest control service was suspended for both the safety of residents and our employees.

“Our team has now resumed sewer baiting where it can be undertaken safely, and we are now reviewing our procedures to see how we can resume services to help the public.

“Once we are assured staff can undertake the work safely, complying with social distancing, we would look to initially offer external treatments in gardens and yards.”