Bridgwater 'rat' house cleared of rubbish after court order

The magistrates court warrant was obtained on public health grounds

More than 10 truckloads of rubbish have been removed from a house after the area became infested with rats.

A Somerset council said it obtained a court order to carry out the work after it had tried to assist the owner to "sort out the mess".

The house in Polden Street, Bridgwater, was also deemed to be a "significant fire risk" by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

Sedgemoor District Council now hopes to recover the cost from the owner.

The magistrates' court warrant was obtained on public health grounds.

The property owner was not there during the clean-up and is not often at the house, said the council.

The house and surrounding area were treated for rats after the clear-up operation

An inspector from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service described the property as a "significant fire risk"