The construction of the Northumberland Line has disturbed a large number of rats, pushing the vermin into urban areas.
The issue has been a particular problem in Ashington, where the new railway station is in the town centre as opposed to the outskirts like in Bedlington and Blyth.
The issue was first raised by Haydon ward councillor Brian Gallacher at last week's meeting of the council's communities and place overview and scrutiny committee. Discussing the council's pilot food waste collection scheme, Coun Gallacher warned that the authority's pest control team may need to be beefed up.
