ACTION is being demanded to tackle an alleged rats problem in a council car park in Knutsford.

A resident contacted the Guardian about 12 to 15 rats he said were 'running about' in the Cheshire East Council-owned Princess Street car park behind Waitrose.

The man, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "The rats are also running around our homes and gardens which are next to Waitrose.

"Our problem is that environmental health at Cheshire East are not doing anything about it.

"They said to me when I reported it to them that it wasn’t their problem, even though it is in their car park.

"The rats are multiplying in large numbers and if not dealt with now, these vermin creatures will cause massive problems to the whole of Knutsford town centre and surrounding areas.

"Something needs to be done immediately to eradicate the rats."

A Waitrose spokesman said: "We've been made aware of potential rat sightings in the car park near our Knutsford store.

"Although we have notified our pest control providers immediately, they are unable to work on our behalf on publicly-owned land.

"We've notified Knutsford Town Council to escalate to the proper authorities who own the land to take necessary steps."

The Guardian has asked Cheshire East Council for a comment.