SPECIALIST rat-catchers have been drafted into a Galashiels housing estate after the repulsive rodents were spotted entering a block of flats.

It is believed the creepy creatures have left the safety of their riverside tunnels because of ongoing rail and flood-protection works.

And over the past few months more and more have been spotted in residential streets.

During the summer we reported how residents in both Tweed Road and Glenfield - on either side of the Gala Water - had reported regular sightings.

And on Friday a local father revealed that rats were openly scurraging for food around his Winston Road home in Langlee.

He told us: “There are around four or five of them jumping on and off the bins behind the flats.

“The door on the flats doesn’t close properly and I saw one of them coming inside yesterday.

“You can’t let the children go out because of these rats - something needs to be done to get rid of them.” Pest control officers at Scottish Borders Council have already issued advice to householders living near the river on methods of preventing rats.

And the pest control team was on the ground towards the end of last week in and around Winston Road.

A spokesman for Scottish Borders Council told us: “We received a complaint and the council’s pest control team, in conjunction with Scottish Borders Housing Association, is actively treating the area.” Social landlord SBHA have been carrying home improvements at the flats in lower Langlee over the past few weeks.

And their workmen have also reported the pests.

Alan Vass, director of Technical Services at SBHA, told us: “Our operatives have reported vermin at bins in the area on Monday. “The Association have contacted pest control and local residents were advised accordingly.” Householders are advised not to leave food out for birds or other wildlife.

And to clean up any food spillages around bins and composters.

Scottish Borders Council are happy to offer pet control advice over the telephone by calling 0300 100 1800 and asking for environmental health.