Stromness Town Hall to close for 'extended period' to eradicate rats from building

A town hall in Orkney has been closed for an “extended period” as efforts get under way to eradicate rats from the building.

Pest control and inspectors were called in after a cleaner spotted a rat at Stromness Town Hall last week.

Orkney Islands Council said investigations suggested the rodents only found their way into the building recently.

The local authority anticipates that the town hall will remain closed until January.

Traps at the site will now be monitored, with the kitchen and other internal fittings being stripped back to identify the extent of any damage caused.

Those with bookings at the town hall have been offered alternative use of Stromness Academy.

Garry Burton, head of active communities at Orkney Islands Council, said: “Anyone who has been in the unfortunate position of having to deal with rats in a property will know that even a small number of rats can cause a huge amount of damage in a relatively short period of time.

“Initial investigations have found damage to pipework in the kitchen and we suspect there may be some internal damage to the walls as well.

“We acted quickly and decisively but unfortunately there will be an extended period of closure for the facility – possibly into the New Year – whilst we assess and rectify the damage and take the opportunity to carry out any further minor works to the building during this period with the aim of getting this much-loved building ship shape and back into use in January.”