GLASGOW city chiefs are facing fresh RATS misery after a new drainage system on the city’s most famous precinct was invaded by rodents.
A multi-million-pound drainage upgrade on recently redeveloped Sauchiehall Street is now a haven for the disease-ridden creatures, locals say.



The £5.6 million refurbishment, completed earlier this year following months of delays, included the installation of 40 new trees a well as a massive makeover of the road and paths.
However, the project has sparked fears that the area has attracted more rats.
And it comes weeks after the council faced fierce criticism for failing to empty residents’ bins for months, despite the rodent infestation being caused by the lack of waste collections for nine weeks.
Now photographs show large holes dug into the drainage system around newly planted trees in Sauchiehall Street which some believe are providing easy access for the creatures to run riot.
One resident told The Scottish Sun: “The new drainage tunnels are being used as rat superhighways.
“There are rat holes everywhere. I was walking home in broad daylight, and a one popped its head out of its new home.
“The work has made it even easier for rodents to move around. I only wish it were as easy for us humans to get across the city.”
Another resident added: “I opened my car bonnet the other day to put water in the windscreen, and there was a rat sitting on the engine.”
Last night Scottish Conservative MSP for Glasgow Annie Wells warned: “It’s little surprise Sauchiehall Street is riddled with rats when it’s resembled a midden for years, thanks to the shameful neglect of the SNP-run council.
“This long overdue upgrade must tackle the vermin problem – not make it worse – if one of Glasgow’s most iconic streets is to become fit to welcome local shoppers and visitors for the Commonwealth Games.”
We told how residents in both Ibrox and Drumchapel have reported a “massive rat infestation” due to issues with the frequency of bin collections.
Earlier this month, we told how locals near Rangers’ Ibrox Stadium were embroiled in a dispute with the council after waste collections were halted before Christmas, leaving the area overrun with rubbish and vermin for over two months.
Glasgow City Council said they are aware of the Sauchiehall Street issue and are investigating.


A spokesperson added: “Rats are a feature of urban life but prefer to stay out of sight. Our street cleansing teams are in Sauchiehall Street every day and night to sweep, power clean, and maintain the area.”
Last month, the council announced a £6.5 million investment to create 200 ‘rat catcher’ roles in an effort to tackle the city’s rodent problem.