RATS are rampaging through houses and even nibbling on car engines in West Reading in an infestation "like never before".

More than 100 people signed a petition handed into Reading Borough Council last week calling for action.

Residents of Baker Street and the surrounding roads said they are seeing the rodents on a daily basis and one woman claimed her car failed its MOT after a rodent bit through parts of the engine.

Others have described the "horror" of not knowing whether their food has been raided by the creatures as they burrow into homes in search of sustenance.

Richard Rowlands, secretary of the Baker Street Area Neighbourhood Association, said: "It is horrific because you just feel the food you have in your own home could be contaminated.

"You have to check every packet before you use it. I cannot put things in normal cupboards for fear the rats will get at it."

The Anstey Road resident described how the rodents had found multiple places to squeeze their way into his home making efforts to protect houses difficult.

He added: "Recently a resident's car failed their MOT because rats had gnawed through the pipes and she is now afraid to even park in that area."

Responding to the 113 signature petition - handed in at Thursday's policy committee meeting - lead member for neighbourhoods Councillor Liz Terry said the area presented a number of challenges.

The layout of the homes providing an easy passage for the rats and the age of the sewer network were both blamed for the situation.

Cllr Terry added: "Under this arrangement, officers have contacted Thames Water and asked them to investigate parts of the surface and foul sewer network.

"Unfortunately, a full investigation has yet to be completed by Thames Water and we are therefore unable to update you on what action has been taken."

Both groups have agreed to work together but councillors reiterated they were limited by budget cuts as to what action they could take.

A spokesman for Thames Water said although rats do not breed or live in the sewer network they would assist the council where possible.

He said: "We're working with Reading Borough Council, but our initial investigations suggested that sewer baiting would not help with the above ground issues. We have since agreed to carry out another inspection to see if there is any more we can do to help residents."