RAT-INFESTED bushes have been cleared from outside a shopping parade.

Basildon Council has got rid of all the bushes along verges opposite a row of shops and several parking spaces, in Station Lane, Pitsea.

The action has delighted traders and residents, who had complained about rats that kept emerging from the bushes and were even seen scuttling across the road by Pitsea market. Avis Farrow, a hairdresser from Snips salon, in Station Lane, said: "It's much better now they haven't got anywhere to hide.

"There used to be loads of rats.

"You could sit in the front window and watch them scurrying out from the bushes and running about."

Tracy Foreman, 24, of Great Ranton, Pitsea, said: "I've seen great big rats, about a foot long, crossing the road after coming out of the bushes.

"Hopefully things will be better now."

Vicki Honeybul, 22, of Eastbrooks, Basildon, added: "There were little holes under the bushes where the rats used to come out of, but it looks like they've filled them all in now.

"I can see why the council had to take the bushes away, but I hope it doesn't just leave it as mud." Residents complained to the Echo last October that the surrounding area had become infested with rats.

It was thought at the time they were coming from the bushes and a boarded-off area, earmarked for development by Genesis Housing, behind the shops.

Chris Johnson, spokesman for the council, said: "We have removed the bushes, many of which had withered, as part of scheduled maintenance work, and will be replacing them with grass in order to keep the area looking tidy."