Update on Glasgow container that turned into massive rats' nest

The unit, which had been left on Fountainwell Drive in Sighthill, was originally gifted to the community after the completion of regeneration work, but had since been taken over by the vermin who had turned it into a large-scale nest.

Fed-up householders told how they feared the rodents would start trying to get into their homes after the creatures – described as the size of small dogs – were increasingly spotted in their gardens. Locals also said the rats had damaged parked cars by chewing through brake cables and chomping on tyre walls.

The Glasgow Times intervened and contacted local landlord Wheatley Homes, who arranged for an external contractor to be brought in to dispose of the container.

Chris Mitchell, GMB convenor for Glasgow’s cleansing and refuse workers, had backed the calls to get it shifted on health and safety grounds.

From left to right, resident and cleansing worker Michael Kerey with GMB representatives Chris Mitchell and John O'Connor. (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson) He said: “People in the street are delighted this eyesore and health hazard is finally gone. However, it should have been dealt with much sooner.

“Folk had to put up with rats running around in broad daylight and causing damage to their vehicles. It was only a matter of time before vermin started entering properties looking for food.”

He added: “It was totally unacceptable that this problem was left for so long. Nobody wants rats running about outside their properties, but unfortunately it’s a situation we are seeing more and more across the city.

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“Because of cuts to cleansing services and an explosion in litter and fly-tipping, we are dealing with an epidemic of rats. We’ve been telling the Scottish Government and the local authority that we were going to reach this point for a number of years, but our words have fallen on deaf ears.”

Residents feared the rats could start trying to get into people's homes. (Image: Newsquest) One resident told the Glasgow Times that he hopes the problems with vermin in the street will improve now the container is finally gone.

He said: “Everyone is glad it’s been taken away at last. It was basically a breeding ground for rats and totally unhygienic. Goodness only knows how many of them were living inside.

“Rats were getting in through gaps at the back and side of the container. It was a horrible feeling looking out your window during the day to see them scuttling about the street and gardens, scavenging for food.

“It wasn’t right that it was left this long, but everyone is grateful that Wheatley stepped in and helped to have it dealt with.”

The Glasgow Times understands that the unit was originally given to the community to store garden equipment. While it was not the responsibility of Glasgow City Council or Wheatley, they took the decision to have it removed after we highlighted the extent of the problem.

A Wheatley Homes Glasgow spokesperson said: "The container was gifted by a developer when work on the site was completed. It was being used to store gardening equipment.  

“We were happy to help the community as soon as they got in touch to ask for it to be removed.

“We’re continuing to work with the council and environmental health to sort any issues with rats.”

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council added: “Our pest control team continues to undertake appropriate measures at this location.

“Proofing works that prevent the pests from gaining access to a building is a matter for the property owners to address.

“Rats are in search of a source of food. It is vital therefore that food waste is always properly contained in a bin, bin areas are kept in good order and food intended for birds and other wildlife is not left lying out for rats to feed on.”