Spalding residents say there is a huge increase in the number of rats scurrying around the banks of the River Welland and many have reported hotspots - including behind the South Holland Centre, London Road and Cowbit Road - to South Holland District Council.

In response it has increased baiting in the area from once a month to once a week and will be emptying the litter bins last thing at night too.

Kevin and Maggy Trew, who live in Westminster Drive, often walk along the river to feed the ducks and have even seen dogs killing the rodents near London Road and Cowbit Road.

Mr Trew said: "We noticed there were some rats down there so we started throwing the bread straight into the water rather than on to the banks but the rats were jumping into the river and swimming among the ducks to get it.

"There have always been rats there but it seems to be getting worse. One day we saw about 12. There seems to be getting more and more.

"It's only a short distance from the bank to people's black bags out on bin day and then the rats could be in houses."

Mr Trew says the rats tend to congregate near the duck feeding areas and is concerned they may be killing ducklings as there are fewer this year.

He added: "I don't know whether they have taken the eggs before they hatched or killed the ducklings. It could just be a coincidence."

Nigel Payne, district council community services manager, says the river bank is regularly baited with poison to control the rats.

He said: "We have increased baiting in the affected area from monthly to weekly in response to these complaints and have also arranged for the litter bins to be emptied last thing at night to stop food being available overnight.

"We would ask people to help by not overfeeding ducks or birds as this provides a ready supply of food for rats and reduces the effectiveness of the bait stations."