Despite past and recent efforts by the Guinness Trust to manage the pests, including filling burrows with soil and setting traps, residents report ongoing sightings and new burrows, doubting the effectiveness of these measures. The Local Democracy Reporting Service saw dozens of rat traps installed around the estate during a visit this week, and residents showed what they believe to be the beginnings of new burrows after recent filling operations. While measures several years ago brought improvements, residents believe it hasn't delivered a lasting resolution, with burrows emerging yet again, and they remain unconvinced that filling holes will properly address the underlying cause of the infestation.
Residents like Charlotte De Christi, 64, who uses a long stick to gauge the length of burrows around the Guinness Trust Buildings on Cadogan Street, and Iris Rugg, 76, also find the presence of rats on the estate unsettling. Paul Myers, who also resides on the estate, criticized the housing association for insufficient action, stating that Guinness Trust was not doing much to help and informing the LDRS that it needed to set up more traps and check them often. The Guinness Partnership acknowledges the issue as common in urban areas, with a spokesperson saying they appreciate residents' concerns and are working with them to address the issue.
Specifics on recent measures beyond filling holes, the underlying cause residents believe is not being addressed, and the number of active rats or burrows remain unclear, as do health risks and the timeline for resolution.