RATS in Evesham's High Street have prompted environmental health officers to put out a warning about litter.

Several people have seen rats emerge from a broken drain near food shops in the Alle de Dreux.

Shop keepers have called on Wychavon for action, but health officers say the rat population is increasing nationwide, and businesses and towns folk must do their bit to keep rubbish off the streets.

Caroline Mitchell of Caf Roma on Alle de Dreux said people had spotted the vermin some 40 feet from her premises and she rang Wychavon District Council, but received little response.

Mrs Mitchell said. "We usually like to keep the door of the caf open but we have not dared to because of obvious hygiene concerns."

The alleyway, which runs between High Street and Bridge Street, is also the location of other food shops and is a busy pedestrian route.

Geoff Carpenter, environmental health manager said: "We take reports of this nature very seriously.

"Independent contractors have now been assigned to deal with the rats."

Press officer for Wychavon, Anne-Marie Darroch said: It's a national problem. It is worse this time of the year when they move nearer to warmer areas. Residents and fast food businesses can help by being careful about disposing of waste."

She said the council provided a free pest control service to those on income support, and can recommend a contractor for others. She added that vermin on private land was the responsibility of the landowner, and the council could enforce action.