Reservoir reopens after rat infestation dealt with

A reservoir has fully reopened in Jersey after a rat infestation forced a temporary closure.

Jersey Water said Queen's Valley reopened following work that started in April to resolve a rise in rodent numbers caused by a small number of visitors persistently feeding the wildlife.

It said a partial closure of the reservoir, which can hold 1,193 megalitres of untreated water, was set up to allow for "targeted action" to stop the food source and protect public health.

A spokesperson said the rodent population had significantly decreased but the situation would continue to be monitored.

Facilities manager Terry Gasnier said people should avoid feeding the birds and other wildlife at the reservoir.

"We know how much Queen's Valley means to the community, and we are pleased to be in a position to reopen it once again for everyone to enjoy," he said.

"It's certainly been a challenge for us because of the constant feeding, but we don't want the actions of a few to keep spoiling others' enjoyment of the space.

"We absolutely want to keep the reservoir open to the public but we will only be able to keep the pest population under constant control if visitors stop feeding the wildlife."

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