A RAT infestation in Basingstoke town centre may have spread after rats were filmed near popular fast-food restaurants at the Leisure Park. 

As previously reported, 50 residents living in homes near Glebe Gardens in the town centre signed a letter to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council calling for “urgent” action to tackle the “out of control” rat infestation, after the pests began entering their homes, nesting in roof spaces and rotting in cavity walls.

Now, it seems that this is not just a problem in the town centre, as a number of rats have been spotted scurrying very close to the premises of both McDonald's and KFC in the Leisure Park, in Worting Road.

These pictures and videos show numerous rodents running around on the slate chippings just beyond the outdoor eating area at McDonald's at the Leisure Park.

SEE ALSO: Rat infestation in Basingstoke is 'public health concern'

These photos and videos were taken by a Gazette reporter who had visited the restaurant and sat at a table outside to enjoy their lunch.

The Gazette contacted McDonald's for a comment, and a spokesperson said: "We take cleanliness and hygiene very seriously and our Basingstoke - Leisure Park restaurant implements a number of measures to ensure the restaurant maintains its high standards.

"The restaurant employs a maintenance crew who keep the surrounding area outside the restaurant spotless and pest-control experts carry out routine inspections of the site, and they’ve confirmed there’s been no evidence of pest-related activity in the restaurant.

"The team continues to work with the landlords regarding these sightings, but the restaurant itself has not been impacted."

The Basingstoke Leisure Park restaurant has been awarded a food hygiene rating of five and McDonald's confirmed that it scored 100 per cent in a third-party food safety verification visit, which was conducted two weeks ago.

@basingstokegazette Rats have been spotted near McDonald's in the Leisure Park #rats #mcdonalds #ConSantanderConecto ♬ Aesthetic - Tollan Kim

The Gazette also contacted KFC for a comment, and a spokesperson said: "We’re aware that some unwanted guests have been spotted within the retail park.

"The EHO [environmental health officer] and pest control have visited and confirmed that our 5-star rated restaurant is pest-free however, we’re continuing to work with the local council’s pest control team to solve the wider issue in the surrounding area."

A borough council spokesperson said: "The council is aware of rat activity in this part of the Leisure Park and has been working with businesses and Hampshire County Council to bring the issue under control.

"The businesses’ own pest controllers have taken measures to deal with the activity and this work is continuing. The council also carries out regular baiting and our grounds maintenance team has removed some of the vegetation which provides cover for the rats as well. Both of these approaches have helped to reduce the rat activity in the wider area and this work will carry on.

"Moving forward, the council is coordinating a consistent approach to treatment between both businesses, Hampshire County Council and our own pest controller, to ensure our collective response to treatment is as effective as possible.

"There are numerous factors linked to the cause of the rat activity in this area and a significant part of this is litter left by some customers of these restaurants. To help tackle the problem, we would like to remind customers to dispose of their litter and food responsibly when visiting these restaurants."