Residents have been urged by Cheshire East to not leave litter near a lake in Alsager as it will give rats a "ready supply" of food.

With the third national lockdown in full swing, residents have been using The Mere, on Crewe Road, as a nice, pleasant location to embark upon their daily exercise and get some fresh air.

However, over the weekend, several concerned residents took to social media to highlight the number of rats that had gathered within the lake's vicinity.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, outdoor parks and open spaces have become more popular, but Cheshire East confirmed they had not seen an "increase in vermin activity" near water because of the enhanced popularity of nature reserves.

A Cheshire East Council spokesperson said: "During this pandemic far more people than normal are visiting outdoor parks and open spaces to exercise and get some fresh air.

"Unfortunately, a consequence of this is an increase in the volume of litter. We empty litter bins at most of the popular areas in the borough at least twice a week and will repeat our appeal to residents to take their litter home, if possible.

"However, there is no evidence to suggest an increase in vermin activity. Rats are always present near water and if people are feeding ducks and geese then rats will also have a ready supply of food."