Two rats swimming in the pond at Moor Park

Pictures and sightings of the rats which are infesting Moor Park have become a political hot topic.

We reported in April how residents have expressed concerns about the rats being fed.

And they weren’t the only ones, local councillor Terry Cartwright raised the issue and on Thursday night it was the topic of debate in the Preston City Council chamber.

“Shoot them or not to shoot them” was the question from councillors during the full council meeting.

A squirrel holds onto its dinner

Steve Worswick has been spotting the rats in Moor Park for a number of days, as they continue to dine out in the park’s pond and also pinch food from squirrels.

In April a council spokesman said: “People enjoy feeding birds in the park and regularly throw food and seeds for them.

“There’s no harm in this and the park is home to a wide variety of birds and other wildlife. However, when people put out too much food this encourages rats.

“So our message is by all means feed the birds but please don’t leave out lots of food or seeds as it will attract rats.”

What do you think? Have you seen the rats? Let us know in the comments below