'We want to reassure' - Asda responds after 'giant rat' seen scurrying around Fleetwood supermarket car park

A rat spotted scurrying around a Fleetwood supermarket car park has sparked fresh concerns over the growing presence of rodents in the town.

The sighting at Asda has raised alarm among residents, particularly as an area on the seafront is attracting vermin, prompting questions over whether enough is being done to tackle the problem.

Asda car park is a busy area, used daily by shoppers and families, and the appearance of a rat seen running near a car close to the shop front has left people questioning what measures are in place to keep the area clean and prevent further sightings.

However Asda was keen to reassure shoppers that it isn’t an issue within the store itself. An Asda spokesperson said: “This sighting occurred in the car park of our Fleetwood store, which is located close to other food businesses and open areas.

“While sightings of this nature are uncommon, they can occasionally occur in outdoor environments. We want to reassure customers that we have not identified any issues within the store itself."

On The Esplanade near the old radar station and Lower Lighthouse, rats have been seen near to an area where people sleep rough.

A member of the public said she was horrified to see two huge rats running around among blankets and food underneath the radar station near Lower Lighthouse and raised the question that something needs to be done about the conditions there.

Fleetwood Councillor Ruth Duffy said: “The rat at Asda is news to me and I would hope the manager at the store would ascertain where it has come from, especially as seagulls have nested in the car park during the summer.

“At the radar station, I am aware of the situation and I have contacted the Environmental Services. It’s a difficult issue to get on top of, that said it does need dealing with.”

A video of the rodent in the car park was posted on social media and whilst some people dissed the issue, others said more needs to be done to contain it including how rubbish is disposed of and the problem of fly-tipping.

Paul Cossy, landlord of the Royal Oak said: “A rat on Asda car park has no concern for me, it could have come from anywhere. There’s loads of them by Jubilee Quay. The area round the lighthouse is full of them, they’ve been there for years.

“Lord Street is clean, the road cleaners are out at least three times a week, the streets are cleaned quite regularly.” The problem in Lord Street is mice but it can’t be helped, you just deal with it.”

The latest sighting has added to unease locally, with people keen to see reassurance that the issue is being taken seriously. However some people believe problems with seagulls out-weigh issues with rats.

Zoe Hall, optical assistant at Scrivens in Lord Street which backs on to Asda car park, said: “There’s a bit of rubbish about, it could do with cleaning up and the council should do more. I’m not specifically concerned about rats, it’s more seagulls.”