A PENSIONER claims that he is forced to keep his windows and doors shut at all times to stop rats invading his home.

Norman Wignall, 77, of Hardman Street, Blackburn, says litter-strewn waste ground behind his home has become a breeding ground for rats, which are now moving into the back yards of homes on his street. And he claims the council has done nothing about the problem despite complaints from residents.

Mr Wignall said: "Litter has been a problem on that waste land for years, but even though we complained to local councillors nothing has been done.

"Now we have got rats coming into our back yards and running along our walls. One of my neighbours even ended up with a rat in her kitchen. I keep my windows and doors shut all the time to stop rats coming in. I don't know who owns that land but I am convinced the rats are coming from there because of all the rubbish. I've spoken to the environmental health department but still nothing has been done. The council doesn't seem to want to know about it."

A council spokesman said: "We have had complaints in the past about rubbish behind Hardman Street. In view of the complaint about rats we will be sending somebody out to have a look."