BRADFORD Council has called out park visitors after complaints of a rat infestation in one of the city’s award-winning parks.

Parkgoers had criticised the council’s maintenance of Lister Park amid an ongoing rodent issue.

In a statement, the council said it was aware of the issue and had taken measures such as an increase in warden patrols. But it pointed out that, until people stop feeding birds and leaving litter in the park, the problem is likely to persist.

Bella Khan, a former resident of the Manningham area, still tries to visit the park, but over the past couple of years she has noticed a decline.

She said: “The rat problem is really bad.

“They are enormous and are getting even bigger. It’s turned into a health hazard.

“Adults and children have been chased by rats, the size of squirrels. They aren’t scared of people at all.

“It’s not just one or two, it’s loads of them, and they all come out together.

“The last thing we want is an infestation and rats taking over the park.

“They’ve made it to the children’s play area and it’s impacting families who want to use it.

“I’ve witnessed people nearly falling into the lake because they’ve been running from the rats - it’s just not safe.

“We’re lucky we haven’t been bitten.

“We pride ourselves in Lister Park and so many people use the park; we just want a plan of action in place to tackle this issue."

Locals have previously signed petitions to raise awareness and get the council to do something.

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “Rats feed on the litter and food people leave in the park. Often this is intended as bird feed, but leaving food contributes to vermin outbreaks.

“We regularly empty litter bins, litter pick the park and sweep up food waste to combat the problem. We have increased warden patrols in the park to educate people and where necessary, issue littering fixed penalty notices.

“Signs are in place around the lake asking people not to feed the birds. There is a pest control contract in place for the park but whilst people continue to drop litter and food, vermin will be difficult to eradicate fully.

“Lister Park is a beautiful public space, and we ask everyone to please keep it clean and free of food waste”.

Have you got a story for us? Email newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk or contact us here or WhatsApp us on 07720403052.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.

You can also call us on 01274 705292.