Coronavirus has been the culprit for most of the bad things to befall Manchester residents in 2020.
It’s closed pubs, it’s cancelled holidays, and it’s torn the local economy to shreds.
But it’s also being blamed for the emergence of a ballsy new breed of rat.
Stats show pest problems have worsened since the pandemic hit – with rodents apparently enjoying “newfound confidence” after having the city to themselves for so long during lockdown.
In October, pest controllers Rentokil claimed they’d seen a 22% increase in callouts, as rats snuck into residential homes in search of food that was no longer being left behind on streets.
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Now, a new study has revealed that as many as 74% of rats in Manchester carry a resistance gene – making them immune to many modern pest control methods.
There has also been a 25% increase in the local rat population since last year – meaning more than 1.1 million of these rodents are currently scampering their way around the city as we speak.
Jenny Rathbone from Manchester Pest Control Company Pest.co.uk, said: “It’s very worrying because this ‘hybrid-resistance’ means that some common rodenticides simply won’t work to control rat numbers.
“This together with a bumper breeding year means that Manchester is in for a heck of a ride in 2021 if we don’t have a very, very cold winter.”
Dr Buckle of the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use added: “This is the first time in the UK that ‘hybrid-resistance’ has been found on this scale, with potentially unknown difficulties for pest rodent control.
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“This is happening because different resistance foci, that were once separate, are now merging and interbreeding.”
Experts are recommending the removal of all bird food in backyards to deter rats.
Pest.co.uk is also issuing the following advice to anyone worried about rodents:
Block up holes – Fill any gaps in brickwork, shed doors and any holes on external walls of your home including cellars and attics
Clear cupboards – Empty unused cupboards of bags, clothes, rags and keep them clean
Secure all food sources – Make sure food is not left out, tidy away any open food sources and keep worktops and floors clean of crumbs
Prepare traps – by leaving out rat traps you can pre-empt any future infestation, however it is better to bait with official rat poison than leaving food scraps out – if in doubt get expert advice on the type of bait to use
Residents are urged to contact professionals if they spot rodents in their property.
News
Public urged to call the police if they see this wanted man
Daisy Jackson
Cheshire Police are appealing for the public’s help in tracing a wanted man with links to Macclesfield and Alsager.
Joshua Wyatt, 34, is wanted on recall to prison, and officers are urging anyone who has seen him or knows of his whereabouts to come forward.
Wyatt is described as being 183cm (6ft) tall and of medium build, with a bald head and blue eyes.
Police believe he has links to both Macclesfield and Alsager.
Anyone who sees Wyatt or has information about where he may be is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or report information via the force’s website.
Information should be provided quoting reference number 26000809013.
Huge shuttle bus effort laid on to get Manchester United fans to Old Trafford amid tram disruption
Daisy Jackson
Transport for Greater Manchester has announced a shuttle bus scheme to help Manchester United fans get to Old Trafford this week, amid major tram disruption.
Fans won’t be able to use trams to get to the ground as usual, due to huge improvement works which are in place until Monday 2 November.
There’ll be no trams at all on the Altrincham, Trafford Park, and Eccles lines, with Airport and East Didsbury trams only going as far as Firswood.
That means that fans heading to Manchester United’s home game against Bournemouth would have been a little stuck without this newly-announced shuttle bus service.
Frequent dedicated shuttle buses will run running Piccadilly Gardens, Altrincham Interchange and the Trafford Centre, taking fans directly to Old Trafford before the game.
Frequencies range from five to 20 minutes depending on the route and time, with details available online. Return services will be in place after the final whistle.
TfGM staff will be at key stops and interchanges throughout the day to help fans get to the match and provide travel advice.
Huge shuttle bus effort laid on to get Manchester United fans to Old Trafford amid tram disruption. Credit: TfGM
Ian Davies, TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, said: “There is no good time to disrupt passengers to carry out these works, and this is the first time in over a decade that trams won’t serve Old Trafford on a match day, but these works are essential and will enable us to provide a better service in future. I am very sorry to fans who face disruption.
“We’ve put a range of alternative travel options in place, including dedicated shuttle buses, bolstered Bee Network bus services, rail options and ticket acceptance arrangements will help fans get to and from the game.
“Journey options will be different from usual, so we would encourage supporters to plan ahead, check their route and our website before they travel and leave plenty of time to get to and from the stadium.”
TfGM is advising supporters to leave around an hour earlier to help make sure they arrive in time for kick-off.
The Manc -
10th December 2020 
