A CLEAN-UP around Cofton Park has been ordered by Bromsgrove District Council after residents complained that rats were being attracted.

Cofton Hackett Parish Council received several complaints after residents saw the vermin attracted by rubbish around the edge of the park.

Members contacted the district council's environmental health department, as well as Birmingham City Council, which has responsibility for keeping the park clean. The district council will be working with the nearby Poacher's Pocket pub and other properties near the park to ensure rubbish is cleared.

Poisons cannot be used in the park to eliminate rats because of the danger to children and dogs.

Parish council clerk Judith Casey said members had asked the authorities for action and would see if there was any improvement in the next couple of weeks.

She added: "We hope everyone will clear their own rubbish and the rats will go away."