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Residents living close to the seafront spot, and families who have visited the park, have complained about the rise in rat numbers in recent weeks.

It is believed the vermin levels have increased in recent months and residents have complained to councillors and said the pests do not seem scared of running around in broad daylight.

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Visitors to Roker Park have complained to councillors after spotting a rise in the number of rats.

People in streets nearby, including St George’s Terrace and Barbary Drive and Pier View near Sunderland Marina, have also made complaints and say that the Fairy Dell is one of the worst affected areas.

Sunderland City Council has said patrols in the area will continue and urged visitors not to drop food and to take litter home if bins are full.

St Peter’s Councillor Joshua McKeith and fellow ward member Councillor Shirley Leadbitter, along with future election candidate Sam Johnston, say they have received concerns the infestation is getting out of hand.

Last week, residents in the East End spoke out after they grew sick of the problem in Donnison Gardens, where they have seen up to 30 rats at a time.

Councillor Josuha McKeith, pictured in Roker Park, where residents and visitors have complained about the issue of vermin.

An inspection carried out by the council discovered a damaged sewer could be the cause of the problem there.

Coun McKeith said: “We have spoken with an officer at the council to see what more can be done as a result of an increased amount of people reporting rats in the park and surrounding residential areas.

"We’ve had a lot of concerns, since lockdown and especially since the relaxation of the measures, saying there have been a lot of rats in Roker Park, perhaps because they’ve been out looking for food.

Donnison Gardens residents Paul Reay and Jimmy Smart with a rat they trapped in their street, which has also seen a rise in the pest problem.

"They have run out in front of families and people say they are frightening their kids.

"Maybe they have kept themselves to themselves, but now they’re not scared of coming out.

"They are seeing them more and more and it’s putting them off coming back to the park.”

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Rats spotted in Roker Park as children fear returning to Sunderland beauty spot after it becomes overrun with rodents

A message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.