Release:
October 6, 2022 at 2:41 PM



Councilors claim Cromer’s rat population has been turned into a “tourist attraction.”

Rodents thrive year-round on the cliffs of popular seaside resorts, despite campaigns to use bait to reduce their numbers.

The leadership of the North Norfolk District Council was questioned about the town rats at its October plenary meeting on Wednesday.

Greg Heyman, representing the Council’s Trunch Ward, said: It’s a summer tourist attraction, but I don’t want to be famous.




Greg Hayman representing Trunch District on the North Norfolk District Council.
– Credit: Courtesy of Greg Hayman

“But the east side of the pier also has a serious rat problem at every level.

“You can see rats swarming in broad daylight on seaside promenades.”

Council leader Tim Adams said he was aware of the problem and that there was a problem. An “extensive” program of both traditional and burrow baiting This year it will be held on both sides of the pier.

He said: “We have to realize that we are only managing this issue.


Cromer from the pier

Cliffs east of Cromer seen from the pier. This year’s mild winter and warm summer have also contributed to the rat infestation in the area.
– Credit: Lesley Buckley

“There are food sources on the cliffs, and they are in Sheringham.

“It’s not just food left by people, it’s a food source for plants such as Alexander.”

Adams said the council was also aware of the presence of rats on private property on the cliffs.

He said trapping was difficult because the cliffside land used by the rats was difficult to access, but the bago goats, which were introduced to graze the area during the summer, were found there. successfully reduced the variety of food sources for


Bago's nanny goats and children are released onto Cromer's Cliffs.Photo: Dennis Bradley

Bago goats graze on Cromer Cliffs during the summer, in part to reduce rat feeding.
– Credit: DENISE BRADLEY

Adams added, “We are open to expert advice and are confident we will do what we can.”

Adams said it was impossible to estimate how many mice were killed by the bait, but it was probably “hundreds” over the course of the year.

After being reported in the newspaper last month, rat food has been criticized by those who fear it will kill animals such as owls, hedgehogs and foxes.