PEST controllers are “baiting” Ferndown town centre after reports of rats being spotted.

Residents reported seeing the rodent pests in the town centre area and Tesco car park, causing the newly formed Dorset Council to take action.

The authority has sent its environmental health team leader to investigate the problem.

A spokesman for the council said: “We have been working with the property management company, they have engaged the services of a pest control company who are actively baiting the area.

“Our environmental health team leader is satisfied that they are taking the appropriate action.”