Rat infestation forces extended closure of Stromness Town Hall

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 13:03 · Archive

Stromness Town Hall in Orkney has closed for an extended period after rats were discovered by cleaning staff.

Stromness Town Hall in Orkney has closed for an extended period following the discovery of a rat infestation. A member of cleaning staff spotted a rat last week, prompting Orkney Islands Council to call in pest control and building inspectors to tackle and investigate the issue.

Investigations suggest the rodents have only recently entered the building, but have already caused damage to pipework in the kitchen. The council suspects there may also be internal damage to the walls. The kitchen and other internal fittings are being stripped back as part of the eradication effort, with pest control monitoring traps on site.

The closure is likely to last into the New Year, with the council aiming to reopen the building in January. Garry Burton, Orkney Islands Council's head of active communities, said: 'Even a small number of rats can cause a huge amount of damage in a relatively short period of time.' Those with bookings at the former church, including weddings, have been contacted and offered alternative use of Stromness Academy.

How it is being reported

• Rat infestation forces closure of Orkney town hall – as teams tear apart interior to eradicate problem rodentsIt is likely Stromness Town Hall will be closed into the New Year.Press and Journal · 14 Oct, 12:30
• Rats cause ‘extended’ closure of Stromness Town HallEfforts to eradicate rats in Stromness Town Hall will see the popular venue closed for an “extended period.” Orkney Islands Council (OIC) says a rat was spotted by a member of cleaning staff last week, with pest control and building inspectors called in to tackle and investigate the issue. Investigations suggest that the rodents have only […] The post Rats cause ‘extended’ closure of Stromness Town Hall appeared first on The Orcadian Online .The Orcadian · 14 Oct, 11:13

In this story: Orkney Islands Council · Stromness Town Hall · Stromness · Garry Burton · Stromness Academy

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