A GLENCRAIG couple had an unhappy arrival home from holiday.

Brian Menzies and partner Lorraine were confronted by a rat in their kitchen and investigation has shown that there is a rodent problem in the vicinity of their home, at 54 Garry Park.

Brian said this week: "Lorraine went into the kitchen herself and after a few seconds I heard her scream.

"When I went through to see what the problem was there was this pretty big rat sitting on a bunker.

"I picked up a ladle and struck it hard on the head and it killed it but I immediately was worried about there being others either inside or outside the house."

The couple called the Fife Council pest control department and the officer who arrived immediately set about examining the home and adjoining properties.

He discovered the next garden next door was overgrown and there were scrap vehicles in the driveway which he feared was contributing to the invasion.

Also a garage site that was now in a bit of a dilapidated state could be playing a part in the situation, he felt.

Added Brian: "The pest control man was very helpful but he fears we have a real problem and it is likely that the rats have come from the home next door which has been empty for around five months.

"The tenant has not been well and the surrounds of become unkempt.

"The pest control guy put down a lot of poison and within a couple of days there were dead rats lying in the gardens."

But Brian and Lorraine are still concerned about the future. Said Brian: "The pest control officer made it plain that he needs to get in next door to check what the situation is there. He is concerned that the rats could be getting into our property through a gap in a wall."

Indeed, so concerned is Lorraine she is currently living with her daughter.

A council spokesperson said: "The pest control department have detected a problem with rats at 54 Garry Park and has put down a considerable amount of poison.

"He will be investigating the results of the poison this midweek and will then consider the next move.

"A plan will be put in place to eradicate the problem."