Fears of disease grow as 'whole family of rats' spotted in popular UK park

"I saw a whole family of rats, six in total, climbing around in the tree," Wright told the BBC, noting that his primary concern isn't about bites but rather the illnesses these rodents can transmit.

The sighting has sparked fears about Weil's Disease, a bacterial infection that spreads through rodent urine and poses particular risks in areas where youngsters regularly play.

Weil's Disease is a bacterial infection that can spread through rat urine, with Britain recording between 50 and 80 confirmed cases each year. The illness can prove fatal in some instances.

Mr Wright pointed to the harbour's troubled history with the disease, explaining that swimming was banned there for decades due to contamination risks.

"For many, many decades, it was a serious problem in the harbour and that was why for decades people were not allowed to swim in there because of the risk," he said.

The former councillor fears similar dangers now exist in Victoria Park, where children regularly play on the grass, tumbling about and doing "roly-polies" in areas potentially contaminated by rodent urine.

Bristol City Council has taken out bins from parts of Victoria Park to save money, creating conditions that could worsen the rodent problem. At the skatepark, visitors have resorted to bringing their own black bags to gather rubbish.

Mr Wright warned that leftover food would feed the rat population, enabling explosive growth.

"Rats and mice can have multiple litters of babies a year when the food is good, so the population can explode in just a matter of months," he explained.

The combination of fewer bins and abandoned food creates ideal breeding conditions for rodents, potentially turning a manageable situation into a serious infestation within months.

Wright believes it's unrealistic to think humans and rats can peacefully share urban spaces. "The idea that we can live in peace with them in cities is delusional," he stated, stressing the need for proper pest control measures.

Bristol City Council has responded to the concerns, with a spokesperson confirming they'll examine any reports about rats in parks.

"Where specific locations or concentrations of reports are identified, these will be investigated further," the council said.

The situation highlights broader challenges facing cash-strapped councils trying to maintain public spaces while cutting costs.

With breeding conditions now favourable for rats, swift action may be needed to prevent Victoria Park's rodent problem from spiralling out of control.