Plague of giant rats leaving residents of UK’s ‘biggest eco-community’ too frightened to put bins out
Ten inch rodents spotted under bin bags and jumping at people putting out waste leaving people in fear of attack
A plague of giant rats is leaving residents of one of the UK's 'biggest eco-communities' too frightened to take their rubbish out - for fear of being attacked.
The 10 inch long fearless rodents have been spotted scurrying from under bins and along the bank of a nearby stream on the Hackbridge BedZed estate in south London.
They also jump up as people tried to put their waste inside bins on the country's first zero-carbon housing development or startled those coming home late at night.
These furry critters are believed to be nesting in "green" soakaways - a drainage system designed to stop flooding - near to the 82 homes run by housing association Peabody Estates.
Elodie Ledent, 34, who lives on the estate in Beddington, Sutton, said: " I'm scared to take my bins out now, they jump out at you as you open the bins to throw the rubbish away.
"I have even taken my rubbish out to the bin in the street because the rats are not afraid to come close to you."
They have appealed to Peabody but claim it had "failed to manage the problem and take action."
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Marianne Rasmussen, 53, added: "It's been a problem for some time now and they come near the homes.
"When people are coming home at night, you can hear them as they see rats running across the path.
"In some ways the unintended consequences of having the soakaways is that it makes a lovely home for them.
"But it is also Peabody's failure to manage the problem and take action.
"There seems to be no incentive for them to do so."
Peabody Estates said they were still investigating the problem, which has also been reported to Sutton Council.
A spokesman said: "We've visited the site regularly with our pest control experts, and believe there could be nest sites near the river."
Sutton Council has said: "The council has received a complaint regarding rats in and around BedZed.
"We have been liaising with the residents' association and have contracted the Peabody Trust on their behalf about the matter."
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