An increase in the rat population in a village has resulted in an investigation by Thames Water and environmental health officers.

They met on Monday, in Eynsham, to discuss ways of dealing with the infestation, following a catalogue of complaints from residents.

In Newland Close, near the centre of the village, some residents have already paid for private contractors to try to eradicate the rats, claiming they have infested the attics of their homes.

Pest control and health officers from West Oxfordshire District Council joined up with Thames Water officers for a preliminary investigation of the main and private drains around the close.

There was evidence of rat activity, "but not high infestation", council spokesman Carys Davies said.

She added: "Thames Water is now baiting the sewer. We'll be putting survey cameras down the private drainage running behind Newland Close.

"This will show us if there has been any breakages or cracks allowing the rats to get out into people's homes."

Thames Water spokesman Don Sharples said joint action with the council was normal practice in dealing with rodents.

"Where the council's environmental health people will do above-ground baiting, we do it below ground.

"We recognise that sewers are used as a thoroughfare for rats and other rodents and are investigating to see if there is a hole where they can break out. This is not particular to Eynsham. There are similar problems in other places."