A SENIOR council officer has blamed litter dropped outside takeaway restaurants for contributing to infestations of rats in a market town.In a report to Mid Suffolk District Council, its environmental control manager, John Grayling said his department has been called to tackle 12 rat infestations in Ipswich Street, Stowmarket, during the past three years.

A SENIOR council officer has blamed litter dropped outside takeaway restaurants for contributing to infestations of rats in a market town.

In a report to Mid Suffolk District Council, its environmental control manager, John Grayling said his department has been called to tackle 12 rat infestations in Ipswich Street, Stowmarket, during the past three years.

Mr Grayling said: "One of the contributory factors to the problem in the centre of town is the waste and litter that is dumped and dropped.

"A lot of litter is associated with the takeaways and does not get cleared up until early morning, presenting an attraction for the rats."

Mr Grayling added he did not believe legal action to ensure premises kept areas outside their sites clear of litter would work because the council did not have the resources to enforce it.

He recommended to the district council's environment policy panel that baiting should be carried out in waste bins in the centre of Stowmarket.

Stowmarket town mayor Keith Scarff said there was a recurring problem with rats, but felt the possibility of new bins with rat traps should help tackle the situation.

The environment policy panel will meet on Monday to discuss the rat problem.