City second in rat league

The Capital has the second-largest vermin problem in Scotland, it has been reported.

Figures show that between 2007 and last year, the council received 16,608 reports relating to mice and rats.

Fears have been raised that the rodent plague could get even worse as the local authority’s budget is put under increasing pressure.

The problem reached new heights four years ago when a rat epidemic in Edinburgh was blamed on overflowing bins.

More complaints were received in 2009 after binmen staged an overtime ban.