Rats the size of cats plague Birmingham

Residents of Drews Lane in Washwood Heath, Birmingham, are facing a growing problem with rats the size of cats. They claim the infestation is linked to the ongoing bin collectors' strike, nearby construction work for HS2, and increased fly-tipping.

Kim Blakeman, a resident of Drews Lane, describes the rats as "huge" and "like small cats." She says they have been chewing through car cables, nesting in bonnets and wheelie bins, and causing damage to vehicles.

The situation has been exacerbated by missed bin collections due to the strike and increased fly-tipping. Residents say the council no longer bothers to litter pick their road, creating a perfect nesting site for the rats.

In 2024, Birmingham City Council introduced a £24 charge for rat control visits, which has been criticized as a "rat tax." The council acknowledges that missed collections have caused issues and that strike days are set to continue into April.

HS2 construction work is also being blamed for the influx of rats. Planning permission was granted in 2023 for the Washwood Heath Depot to become the main control hub for the entire HS2 project. This facility will be the main maintenance and storage site for HS2's train fleet.

Mariya Malik, a teacher, says her relative's car has been damaged by rats chewing cables three times. She expresses frustration at the cost and inconvenience caused by the rodent problem.

City council reports from 2021/2022 show that the B8 postcode area, which includes Washwood Heath, Ward End, and Saltley, is a hotspot for vermin in Birmingham.

A spokesperson for Birmingham City Council acknowledges the challenges caused by the industrial action and apologizes for the inconvenience. They emphasize that every household in the city continues to receive at least one bin collection per week and that side waste will be collected if bagged or bundled.

HS2 also emphasizes their commitment to health and safety, stating that enclosed waste skips are used for bagged waste and emptied regularly, with weekly site inspections to ensure proper waste management.