A woman has told of her shock when bait boxes were set up by a council after she reported seeing an endangered species.

Tiffini Slater said she was “distraught” after seeing what she thought were water voles at a stream near the Dolphin Leisure Centre in Haywards Heath.

She said that just days after reporting the sightings to Mid Sussex District Council bait traps had been set up.

But the council said the area, which is near a play park, is heavily populated with rats and there is “no evidence” of water voles.

The Argus: File picture of a water voleFile picture of a water vole (Image: Peter Trimming)

Tiffini, who lives in Haywards Heath, said: “There were two water vole sightings which I alerted the Wildlife Trust to and the council rangers. They have been out and put a load of rat bait boxes out there.

“Children and pets go around that area. It’s really upsetting that they respond to something in that way to something that’s an endangered species. I know there are two or three rats in the area.

“I was so pleased to have a sighting of a water vole. I couldn’t believe it.

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“I was distraught that they had responded in that way."

She is concerned about other animals such as birds of prey being indirectly poisoned by other animals who die from the bait boxes.

The bait traps were set up around May 6 by the council.

A spokeswoman for the council said: “We have been undertaking treatment in the open space next to the Dolphin Leisure Centre to reduce the number of rats in proximity to a popular children’s play area.

"The treatment poses no risk to the water or the public.  

The Argus: One of the bait boxes pictured near the streamOne of the bait boxes pictured near the stream (Image: Tiffini Slater)

“A local resident has expressed concern that water voles are present in this area but there is no evidence of this.

"The area is heavily populated by rats, which is causing public concern, and it is important the council address this.”

Water voles are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

They are an endangered species with an estimated 132,000 in the UK.

The Argus: There are said to be lots of rats in the area. File picture of ratThere are said to be lots of rats in the area. File picture of rat (Image: Zeynel Cebeci)

Water voles are listed as endangered on both the Great Britain and England Red List for mammals.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “Sussex Police received a report from a member of the public on Monday, May 8.

“A wildlife officer is liaising with Mid Sussex District Council. At this time, there are no concerns relating to endangered water voles and we are continuing to monitor the situation.”