Locals in a coastal village are calling for a council to act after a Norfolk beach and popular tourist hotspot has become "overrun" with rats.

There have been numerous reports of "large numbers" of the rodents sighted along Hopton's beach and along its sea wall.

The reports have been made to Hopton Parish Council.

One dog walker, who lives in the village and is in his 60s, says one of the rats he saw was so big he "thought it was a dog".

Walkers stroll along the seawall at Hopton beach where numerous sightings of large numbers of rats have been reportedWalkers stroll along the seawall at Hopton Beach where numerous sightings of large numbers of rats have been reported (Image: Bruno Brown) He said: "This stretch of the beach is used by holidaymakers throughout the summer period.

"The summer visitors are vital for the local economy, so I am being careful not to blame them entirely, but I think they often leave food waste which the rats love.

"It wouldn't be as bad if people were a bit more careful not to leave waste. Some of the rats I have seen along here are enormous.

"A few weeks ago I saw a rat down here, but at first glance, I honestly thought it was a dog because of how fat it was.

"I have seen many other big ones along the front here, too, so it would be fair to say we are being overrun with them and the council should do something, especially before next summer."

One walker said they believe the rats take refuge in the rock groynes on the beachOne walker said they believe the rats take refuge in the rock groynes on the beach (Image: Bruno Brown) The parish council discussed the " large numbers of rat" sightings at a recent meeting and was advised that bait boxes would need to be checked daily.

Members then decided to raise the issue to Great Yarmouth Borough Council, which says it is "monitoring" the situation closely.

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A borough council spokesman said: ‘’Rats will be present in most rural locations, including beaches and the foreshore, and the council deals with rat populations where there is a known source.

"However, in this instance, we have not been able to identify a specific source in order to be able to take enforcement action.

Parish Council meeting minutes say that there have been reports of rats along Beach RoadParish Council meeting minutes say that there have been reports of rats along Beach Road (Image: Bruno Brown) READ MORE: Councillor pledges to take on seaside village's public toilets cleaning duties

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‘’The council has received a number of complaints about rats in the beach area.

"This might be associated with the drainage pipe, which is a Norfolk County Council (NCC) asset, so has been reported to NCC highways as an issue.

‘’We will continue to monitor the situation and deal with any issues where we have the ability to do so.

‘’The bins in the area are heavily used over the weekend and the team is currently updating collecting schedules to reflect the weekend use.’’

No mention of rats present at the beach on the wildlife aware placard at Hopton BeachNo mention of rats present at the beach on the wildlife aware placard at Hopton Beach (Image: Bruno Brown)