Rat levels in Hamilton need to be combated by businesses and residents regularly washing their trash bins to avoid attracting vermin, City officials have warned.

People and firms were also told that once their garbage has been collected, wheelie bins need to be stored away and not left on sidewalks in an “unsightly” manner.

The City said that walkways needed to be kept clear for pedestrians following a build-up of bins placed inappropriately in recent months.

A spokeswoman for the City of Hamilton said: “According to the terms of service of waste collection in the City, the bins should also be cleaned regularly to avoid any build-up of material that could become hazardous or vermin-attracting.

“The City has previously released PR about rats in Hamilton and asked those who use the bins to be sure that they are managed properly so that their use is effective and not a detriment.

“Bin lids should be firmly closed to prohibit any rodents from entering the bins.

“In recent months the build-up of bins being left on the sidewalks is very apparent and unsightly, and users are kindly reminded to aid the city in keeping the sidewalks as clear for pedestrians as possible by storing their bins in an appropriate location off the sidewalk.

“Bin users are encouraged to familiarise themselves again with the terms of service of waste collection to ensure the cleanliness of the City as well as the safety of the sanitation workers.”

The spokeswoman added that businesses looking to apply for a wheelie bin can do so on the City’s website at www.cityofhamilton.bm.