A litter bin moving of its own accord gives stark evidence of the presence of rats in Mote Park.

A pair of walkers look inside to see a group of rodents feasting on left-over sandwiches, crisps and other detritus.

Maidstone council says they are attracted by food left by park users and is urging people to take left-overs home with them.

KM readers have expressed concern about the more visible presence of the vermin. Gillian Minall, of Sutton Valence, said she was so appalled by the sight of six large rats near the play area she would not be taking her granddaughter back.

Mrs T. Wiggins, of Woodford Road, Maidstone dubbed the area “Rat Park”.

This week, walker Rebecca Daniel, of nearby Square Hill, said: “There are always rats down there but it’s definitely got worse.

“I know rats naturally carry diseases. I’m not sure whether it’s a hazard but it’s not particularly pleasant.”

Another said he had seen rats scurrying about in the open and eating food from bins by the lake.

He added: “As we were walking along we saw a bin that was shaking. There was squeaking coming from it; we looked inside and there were three rats eating a loaf of bread; they were stuck inside.”

Habitat

Maidstone council said it was not planning on taking action despite the impending Big Weekend festival which will bring thousands of music fans, along with food stalls and toilet facilities, to the park.

A spokesman said: “Rats’ natural habitat has always been near lakes, ponds and rivers.

“We monitor the population of rats in Mote Park, which naturally fluctuates throughout the year.

“We have a pest management programme in place and take every measure to negate the risk to public health.

“We also urge people not to over-feed other wildlife near the lake, as this will attract rats.”

Not all KM readers are appalled at their presence.

Last week Jeanne Harwood, of Littlebourne Road, condemned scare stories emanating from the pest control industry, while Mrs P. Durant also leapt to their defence, saying she doubted they carried any more disease than the geese and ducks there.