PARENTS of children who attend a primary school in Somerset say they are ‘horrified’ about a rat infestation. 

Willowdown Primary, which is located on King’s Drive in Bridgwater, has over 300 pupils from the ages of two to 11.

The school first acknowledged an issue with rats in October 2024, when its newsletter attributed the cause to a new house building next to the school.

In a light-hearted gesture, the school said: “It feels like we’re the Pied Piper!” - a reference to the Germanic legend who lured rats away with his magical powers.

But parents have since raised serious concerns, including that their children will be bitten by the rats and that it is not safe for children to play outdoors.

All children have also been told to wash their hands following outdoor play and not drop food waste, with equipment being sanitised each morning.

Speaking anonymously, one parent said: “The school have recently started Forest School activities that are providing a food source for the rats.”

“The school continued to scatter the grounds with several dozens of pumpkins a week before Halloween, which was nervously attended by a few families, directly near the largest infestation area.”

Speaking about the infestation, Headteacher of Willowdown Primary, Matt Cave, commented: “We were alerted to a problem with rats on the school site and have taken appropriate action to tackle it.”

“We encourage any parent or carer with concerns about this, or any other issue, to contact the school directly. Our aim is always to work in partnership with our community”, he added.

According to the UK government, all rodents, pet and wild, can carry bacteria and viruses that cause infections in people.

Rodent infections that can transmit to humans include leptospirosis, hantavirus, rat-bite fever and a type of meningitis caused by a virus called lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV).

Although uncommon, these infections may have serious consequences and can be fatal.

The government outlines that the very young, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions should be particularly careful.