A new online petition has been launched in Middlesbrough, calling for more action from the local authority to manage rodent populations across the town. Organised by Abigail Penswick, the ePetition is active until 28 July 2026 and aims to secure a formal debate at a full council meeting.
The petition highlights concerns regarding rat activity in North Ormesby, Berwick Hills, Park End, and Thorntree. It calls on Middlesbrough Council to implement broader pest control and prevention measures to address the population growth. As of early May, the petition has gathered 60 signatures. Under the council’s petitions scheme, reaching a threshold of more than 500 signatures would trigger a discussion by councillors, allowing the organiser five minutes to present the case followed by 15 minutes of debate.
Concerns over local rodent levels have been high since a 22-inch long rat was discovered in a property in nearby Normanby in August 2025. Following that incident, experts noted a significant increase in the local rat population, often attributed to issues such as overflowing bins and general waste in alleyways. While the council previously operated with only one fully trained pest control expert, it has since increased its team to four technicians to help address concerns in public spaces and back alleys.
Currently, the council does not provide a pest control service for private residential properties, requiring homeowners to arrange and fund their own treatments. However, the authority has proposed allocating more than £150,000 in its 2026/27 budget to introduce a free pest control service for residents dealing with rats and other pests.
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