Neighbours slammed for rat-infested hedge that has become a ‘wildlife sanctuary for vermin’

Locals are in uproar over a hedge so large it’s been called a “wildlife sanctuary for vermin”, with one man catching nine rats in one day.

Locals in a city in England’s northeast have blasted a neighbour’s massive bush for being “as tall as a house”.

They claim it’s been filled with rats and rubbish for two years.

The foliage grew so large it has been called a “wildlife sanctuary for vermin”, reported The Sun.

Problems arose when the property in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, was left empty after its previous owner moved, leaving no one to tend to the overgrown bush.

Both the front and back gardens were left to grow – and the “unsightly appearance” is said to have made it attractive to fly-tippers.

Frustrated residents say rat sightings have gone through the roof in the past few years while there are also fears some of litter is dangerous for children.

One man in the city of Middlesbrough caught nine rates from the hedge in one day.

Andy Latherom, 57, who has lived on the street for more than 30 years, told news website TeessideLive: “It’s an absolute blot on the landscape. You try to keep yours nice, we all do. It must be rotting inside.

“It’s like a wildlife sanctuary for vermin. You see all of the hedgehogs around there and there has been a rat increase. I am not saying it’s from there but I bet you would find them over there.”

Another resident, Linda Williams, 78, said her son Glenn, 46, who lives with her caught nine rats in one day.

She added: “They come along the back of the fence, they come down the bushes and then they are playing on the grass. They even try to jump up and catch the pigeons.”

Mr Williams had particular concerns about the gas cylinders that have been dumped in the back garden, afraid that kids could find them.

The state of the garden was reported to Middlesbrough Council two years ago, who tried to find out details of the owner.

The story is reproduced from The Sun with permission.