Residents in Stalham, Norfolk, claim they are being overrun by rampaging rats living in a closed pet shop. The feral rodents have been spotted drinking from puddles, licking windows and chewing through car parts
Residents in a charming market town claim they have been “swarmed” by marauding rats living in an abandoned pet shop dubbed the ‘rodent hotel’. Locals have endured the infestation for months, with the furry fiends spotted quenching their thirst from puddles and gnawing through essential car parts at nearby dealerships.
The so-called “rat hotel” is the former Stalham Angling and Pet Centre in Stalham, Norfolk, which shut down following a fire last May. However, the premises remain filled with animal feed and bedding, attracting a significant number of the pests.
The grubby rodents have become a common sight for passers-by, often seen licking the shop windows and scurrying around the deserted stock inside. George Williams, a resident of the town, said people strolling down the High Street steer clear of the shop to avoid the rogue rodents.
He said: “The rats are regularly seen at the windows. It is shocking and people cross the street rather than face the sight of rodents licking the windows. The pet shop closed very suddenly after a fire and it was left fully stocked with food and bedding. It’s become the perfect rat hotel.”
Residents allege that the rats have begun to spread from the property, causing worry for neighbouring homes and businesses. The town of Stalham, home to 3,149 residents, is situated within the Norfolk Broads – Britain’s most protected wetland and beauty spot.
Gary Arthur and Ellis Speirs, who operate two distinct car repair businesses behind the shop, report that rat swarms have caused damage to vehicles. Mr Speirs, from Ellis Autos Stalham, commented: “They are having a disco in there and out here it is rife as well. It is like the floor is moving.
“It is a really bad infestation and we are bearing the brunt of it as they are starting to damage the vehicles.”
Mr Arthur, proprietor of GA Restoration, revealed he had a rat gnaw through the cables of a customer’s car after the vehicle was left in the yard overnight.
He detailed: “It got in the bonnet and chewed the wiring. It is becoming a hazard, not only to us in the yard, but the public on the street as well.”
Residents began reporting the infestation 11 weeks ago to North Norfolk District Council, urging officials to take action. Kevin Bayes, the mayor of Stalham and a district councillor, stated he had reported the issue to the Environmental Protection team as soon as he became aware of it.
The council issued a notice to the building’s owner on February 23, instructing him to resolve the problem within four weeks. A reminder was dispatched on March 24, requesting evidence of action taken by March 27.
However, Mr Bayes indicated that the deadline has now passed and the council will be exploring legal avenues to gain entry into the building to address the issue.
He said: “It is not good for the town. It is disappointing that we have got some owners that don’t take care of the properties in the town.”
It’s believed the shop has remained shut since a fire erupted in the wee hours of 3 May last year.
The North Norfolk District Council has been approached for comment.