A PLAGUE of rats is running riot next to Greenock’s picturesque waterfront.

Large numbers of the vermin have been discovered roaming around Customhouse Quay, at the back of the former James Watt College student accommodation block.

The area – which is also next to the £10 million Beacon Arts Centre – has become overrun with rodents, with residents and passers-by growing increasingly concerned by the infestation.

One eyewitness, who visits the area regularly, said: “It’s is disgusting. I couldn’t believe my eyes.

“They are not shy either. They were bold as brass, out walking around our car.

“It’s been on going for a while but it’s never been this bad.”

Inverclyde Council’s environmental health officials are working to eradicate the problem and are urging people to play their part by putting litter in bins.

A local authority spokesman said: “Our environmental health team are aware of the situation and have been over to take some remedial action.

“In addition to other measures, they have arranged for some shrubbery to be cut back where it is believed vermin are living.

“They’ll be continuing to monitor the location, but we would ask locals to contact our customer service centre if there are any further sightings.

"We’d urge residents, visitors and business owners to be vigilant to the risk presented by waste which is left in a way which can be accessed by vermin.

“By only throwing litter, especially food waste, away in a proper way or, better still recycling it, we can all reduce the conditions where vermin and other pests thrive.”

The former student apartments are now privately owned and are rented out as short let accommodation.

Local company Short Let Scotland, which is part of Greenock-based estate agents Fixed Price, handles tenancies on behalf of the owners but they declined to comment on the rat problem when contacted by the Telegraph.

Customhouse Quay is a popular route for walking, running and cycling.

It is also used by the world’s last sea-going paddle steamer, the Waverley, as a berthing point and the area is located right next to the Beacon and the iconic Greenock Custom House, which is now a bustling business centre.