THE problem of the rising number of rats and geese at Shottermill Ponds is to be addressed by the National Trust and Lynchmere Parish Council.
The National Trust has expressed concern over the numbers of domestic geese being abandoned in the pond and the increase in rats which are attracted to food left by people feeding the geese.
Property manager at the National Trust Witley centre, Crispin Scott, confirmed the rats are in the process of being removed and that Lynchmere Parish Council is likely to be to be asked to contribute to the expense.
"The level of rats here fluctuates. It's mainly down to the public feeding the geese large quantities of food.
"We are trying to manage the situation without putting off members of the public who enjoy coming here with their children to feed the geese.
"But we will be trying to limit the amount the public feed them and make sure bits of bread aren't left behind which only encourages the rats.
"These rats are attracted from surrounding areas, so in this case, it is really the joint responsibility of the National Trust and Lynchmere Parish Council to ensure a joint effort to solve the problem."
Lynchmere parish clerk David Bleach added: "At this stage we don't really know if the parish council will be required to contribute. We are waiting for the National Trust to get back to us."
The area has had ongoing problems with rats and geese for some time.
There have also been times when geese escaping from the ponds have caused problems.
Back in March, a gaggle of geese, thought to be domestic birds, left the water in search of a new nesting ground and ended up in the middle of road near Critchemere Lane.
They were later sited at Mill Close, and the bus stop near the Mill Tavern.
In a separate incident in June, a goose was shot dead on the pond and another badly injured.
The RSPCA belived an air-gun was used in the attack.