WELL-intentioned passers-by leaving food for the ducks, geese and swans have been blamed for an infestation of rats at Kings Pond.

According to council leader Pam Jones, Alton Town Council has tried “every means possible” to encourage the public not to put down excessive amounts of food on the ground – but to no avail.

A poster campaign initially had an effect – but feeding crept back over the Easter period and since – and traps have been places around the pond to tackle the problem.

But environmental health officers have made it clear the only long-term solution is to stop the over-feeding of wildfowl.

Councillor Jones said: “While some people think the rats are cute, they are classed as vermin and people are becoming increasingly concerned about the health risks they pose.”

Drayman’s Way resident Peter Desmond-Thomas added: “I would strongly advise those of a delicate disposition to avoid visiting the Kings Pond. This area has become a rat infested hotspot.

“Rats are vermin and carry Weil’s disease.

“Unless some action is taken by Alton Town Council, I would strongly avoid visiting this amenity if pastoral charm and calm is what you seek.”

However, the rising rat population has been welcomed by another pond regular, as evidenced by this extraordinary photograph (see right) captured by James Carling of a heron catching and swallowing a rat whole.