RATS could be on the rampage in Dursley if controversial plans to chop down a huge hedge go ahead.

Dursley Town Council's proposal to remove the hedge in the War Memorial Recreation Ground has proved unpopular with many residents for a number of reasons.

One of their concerns is that the large numbers of rats living in the hedge will move on to people's homes and gardens.

The town council has said that displacing the rats is a key reason for wanting to replace the hedge on the Kingshill Road side of the rec with railings.

The other motives are improving the view from nearby homes and giving police easy sight of any young people hanging around the rec and causing a nuisance, which has become a problem.

One resident, Mike Chappell, said he was “appalled” when he stumbled across the plans during Dursley Festival, and has urged people to contact the council with their objections.

Mr Chappell,. 49, was looking at the various stands at the festival when he noticed one was serving as part of a consultation on a town council proposal to remove part of the hedgerow.

Mr Chappell said: “If you’re cutting down a hedge because of a rat problem, you’re just going to find they move on somewhere else – like people’s gardens.

“And if you’re doing it to improve the view, all you’re doing is replacing a view of a hedge with a view of a metal railing.

“As for young people and anti-social behaviour, why can’t the police just stop in a lay-by and walk into the park to see what’s going on?"

Mr Chappell shared his views on Facebook and very quickly received an overwhelming response from other Dursley residents.

Fellow objector Miriam Yagud, also of Dursley, said: “I was shocked to hear that the town council is considering removal of part of the hedge on the rec adjoining Kingshill Road.

“I feel very strongly that this must not happen. The reasons given are not sufficient for the removal of this important hedge.

“The hedge provides an important wildlife corridor, refuge for birds, a barrier to noise and traffic pollution and helps to provide a safe separation between traffic and leisure activities along a busy main route into and out of the town.

“This is a lovely rural town. The green route along Kingshill Road is one of the lovely features of Dursley and it must not be removed.”

The council, in their response to public complaints, said they were aware of the significance of the hedge and that removing it was only a proposal at this stage.

A spokesman said: “Dursley Town Council is very aware of the importance of the War Memorial Recreation Ground to the community and has recently invested over £100,000 in a new play area and adult exercise equipment.

“As custodian of the ground on behalf of the community, it is our role to look at the best way to manage and maintain it for the benefit of the whole community and to tackle any issues that may arise.

“We are currently consulting on the proposal and are keen to hear the views of the community. All comments received will be carefully considered by the green spaces committee on July 21 before making a decision on whether or not to remove this section of hedge.”

If you would like to offer your views on the recreation ground hedge email clerk@dursleytowncouncil.gov.uk.