RATS driven out from under Blackburn town centre are causing problems at sites on its outskirts.

Residents have complained about rodents infesting the area around the business-complex Glenfield Park and a sheltered housing development on Bradda Close in Highercroft.

Engineer and secretary of Blackburn, Darwen and Rural Civic Voice Simon Hugill said the problems were likely to be caused by rats fleeing the drains, culverts and sewers under the town centre because of the noise and disturbance caused by the Cathedral Quarter, new bus station and other development works.

One nearby resident contacted the Lancashire Telegraph about the problems around Glenfield Park on Philips Road which is undergoing refurbishment.

She said: “The area is infested with rats.

“They graze like sheep on the grass verges and are seen on a daily basis around the various buildings on the Glenfield Park site.

“This is a health risk to all who are employed to work in the building and all visitors.”

A spokesman for Adhan Property, which manages much of the site, said: “This is the first we have heard of this issue.

“No tenants have complained.

“We shall be investigating it as a matter of urgency and working with Blackburn with Darwen council on this matter.”

A borough spokesman said: “The council have received one complaint of rodents from a resident in the Glenfield Close area.

“We are investigating this.”

Residents of the Twin Valley Homes sheltered housing development on Bradda Close have sent a petition to the council’s executive board about rats on the premises.

Its pest control officers have been despatched to bait sewers and close up areas which can harbour the rodents.

TVH boss Ian Bell said: “We have been aware of some incidents of rats and we have been working with the council and tenants to try and combat it.

“We have supported the tenants and carried out all works the council has recommended as the landlord.

“We would urge tenants to do their utmost to deter rats and report any further problems to the council as soon as possible.”

Mr Hugill said: “It is very possible that rats disturbed by the works in the town centre are causing these problems elsewhere.

“They are timid animals which don’t like noise, vibration and disturbance.

“Rats, which live in drains and culverts, often flee from construction works and then turn up elsewhere causing a problem.”