THE children’s playground at Alexandra Gardens, St Dogmaels, has been closed down until further notice because of a rat infestation.

Pembrokeshire County Council specialist pest control officers have been called in to deal with the vermin problem and are using poison bait on the site.

The village primary school has been informed and notices put out through Facebook informing people of the situation.

Notices with emergency contact numbers and the type of bait being used have been attached near the main gate, by the shelter and parents are being asked to ensure that children do not enter the playground.

The playground has recently undergone a safety inspection, where a couple of issues were flagged up, the village’s community council has been told.

Cllr Lucy Lewis said: “We have had the results back from an external assessor who looks at every bit of equipment.

“There are three bits which need looking at and we are also looking into the possibility of setting up a maintenance contract with other local councils to help reduce costs.”