A community in north Swindon has been shocked to see rats running around in their gardens, which they believe have been attracted by overflowing nearby bins.

Residents in Tadpole Garden Village, which is made up of 1,855 homes, have also spotted rats in parks and recycling bins over the past week and they say the poor management of the bins - where litter and dog waste has been left to accumulate - makes the company of rats a 'regular occurrence.' 

The development company Crest Nicholson, who were granted planning permission in 2012 and built the first property in 2014, are responsible for overseeing maintenance issues, such as emptying bins.

However, residents say that despite their complaints, nothing has yet been done, and even after urging the company to contact environmental health to report the rat infestation, it still has not happened.

Sarah Lannin said: “The bin is not emptied on a regular basis by Crest Nicholson, I have seen a rat come through my garden under the fence the last two evenings where my children play. I have no rubbish in my garden.

"It has been reported more than once to Crest Nicholson. I have not yet reported the rats to environmental health, as I believe it is Crest Nicholson who should be dealing with it."

In the development brochure, Crest Nicholson say: “We intend Tadpole Garden Village to set new benchmarks in design, community life and infrastructure, and be an asset for the area.

“It will be a harmonious mix of homes, open space, social space and architectural quality – a place that will encourage social interaction, at both village and neighbourhood level. In other words, a place that many people will love living in and be proud to call home.”

But the lack of maintenance, as well as people feeling as if their reports are being ignored, has left them not feeling proud to call Tadpole Garden Village home. 

The development also sparked some controversy when more than 400 residents signed a petition expressing their frustrations about unfinished roads and pavements in the area in 2022.

A spokesperson for Crest Nicholson said: “We apologise to residents for any inconvenience caused; an oversight meant the bins were being emptied less frequently than we would have liked.

"This has now been rectified and a more frequent collection schedule has been agreed with our contractors.”