RAT infestations and ‘overdue maintenance work’ has led Andover Town Council to overspend by more than £15,000 on allotments this year.

According to a recent policy and resources agenda the authority brings in an income of £22,000 from their seven allotment sites but have spent nearly £38,000 in running them this year.

The majority of the £15,000 shortfall has been due to added costs, including their attempts to overcome ‘major’ rat infestations on a number of their allotment sites.

As previously reported in the Advertiser, the council has splashed out £9,500 in pest control services since January alone in attempt to tackle to the rampant rodents.

The authority has also undertaken large maintenance projects this year, including cutting back a ‘40ft hedge’ at their Mylen Road allotments.

However council chairman Katherine Bird says the rat numbers have now been brought down to a ‘manageable level’ and expects the deficit to be dealt with in the near future.

She said: “Fundamentally the rat project has been a success story.

“By working with other authorities and allotment holders we have put together an effective way to manage the rat population and the issue has now been properly addressed.

“We’ve also had significant issues like a 40ft hedge at the Mylen Road site that was infringing on people’s properties.

“These are all health and safety issues that we have had to deal with since taking over the allotments.

“The policy and resources committee will meet later this month and they will discuss ways to deal with the deficit as soon as possible.”