A PLAGUE of rats is terrifying shop owners in Cinderford. The rodents can be seen in broad daylight running along the pavements on Dockham Road according to businesses there. The shop owners believe the rats are living in the hedging close to the road on the Co-operative's car park area.

Muzaffer Karagandere, who runs Muzo's Cafe, said: "I've spoken to the other businesses nearby and they are all frightened to open their doors. There are rats by the bus stop near the Co-op. "It's getting very bad. They seem to be living in the hedges and bushes across the road. They need to be cut. I rang the district council but they haven't come back to me yet. "This has been going on for the last couple of months now and it really isn't fair on the small businesses. "I've spoken to the Cash Exchange and Cutting Edge and they are concerned about the problem as well."

For the full story, read The Forester.