Desperate Cricklewood residents are forking out hundreds of pounds for pest controllers to fight a rising rat infestation.

Rats and mice have taken over the Railway Terraces conservation area, off Cricklewood Broadway, and residents have been left exasperated by Barnet Council’s failure to stem the spread.

Mother-of-two Kathy Hobson, 46, of Midland Terrace, has spent nearly £700 over the past three years in her unsuccessful efforts to get rid of the vermin, which scurry about in the daylight.

“I’ve got two big rat holes in my garden and mice in the house,” she said. “They’re getting quite brave — it’s quite unusual to see a rat during the day, like we do.

“It’s an increasing problem. The advice from the pest controllers is that without a concerted response, we’re fighting a losing battle.”

She said she had been forced to pay £115 per visit for private pest control firms.

Residents, along with Childs Hill ward councillor Jack Cohen, say that repeated calls for action by the council have gone unheeded and the infestation is beginning to pose a health risk.

Mr Cohen said: “This is so bad it’s become a public health issue. Where there are rats, there can be disease and while it hasn’t happened yet, that’s the worry.

"It’s not very pleasant for people to see rats running around on a daily basis and it’s a particular concern for parents.”

The Railway Terraces comprises around 180 houses and flats originally built for railway workers servicing the St Pancras to Bedford line in the 19th century.

The rat infestation is thought to be partly due to its proximity to the railway line.

A council spokesman said: “In the past two years the council has been informed of two locations where there were rat sightings within the Railway Terraces.

"The council’s public health team investigates all reports of rat infestation in the borough and will carry out the necessary enforcement of public health legislation.

“When infestations are found on council-owned public property treatment will be provided free of charge, however where infestations are found on private land, a charge is levied.”