Residents are being urged to report any rat sightings

There are calls for action to be taken to tackle the growing problem and stamp out the vermin.

Last year 736 householders complained to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council about rodents.

Council officials say they have seen a 40% increase in the number of rat infestations.

They are urging water companies to take action to help prevent the problem getting any bigger.

'Wetter winters'

Phil Beddows, from the council's environmental health department, said there were a number of reasons for the increased numbers.

He said: "We have seen over the last four or five years a move towards milder, wetter winters which gives rats a chance to breed over the winter period."

Mike Barker from Southern Water said the firm was trying to control the problem.

He said: "We are working quite closely with the officers.

"The most effective way of working is to try and identify hot spots from people in Kent."

He urged residents to continue to inform officials when they see rats so infestations can be dealt with.