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Resident Who Says Rats Tried to Eat Through Their Door Objects to Restaurant Licence Bid

Thursday, 11 June 2026 18:30

By Anttoni James Numminen, Local Democracy Reporter

A Whitby resident is opposing a late-night licence application for a returning fish and chip restaurant, claiming that food waste is attracting rats that have started eating through their property's doorframe.

A resident who said rats have tried to eat through their door has objected to a restaurant’s licence bid in North Yorkshire.

Papas Fish and Chips is set to return to its former site at Baxtergate near Whitby’s iconic Swing Bridge, but a neighbour who said that rats attracted by food waste have been eating through his property’s doorframe is opposed to the plan.

The resident said:

“Our private rental property shares the yard with this business premises where rats are already a problem.

“Seagulls have also previously raided improperly stored bin bags containing food waste, leading to the spread of soiled food in the yard and attracting even more rats.

“We’re currently waiting for our back door to be replaced by our landlord due to these rats having eaten the door and frame to try and enter our property.”

The fish and chip restaurant chain, which is set to return to Whitby, originally wanted permission to stay open until 5am.

However, following intervention and a “negotiation” with North Yorkshire Police, the chain amended its proposal for opening hours from 11.30am to 2am.

The site at 76-79 Baxtergate, Whitby was until recently occupied by a Wendy’s, which announced its departure from the town centre location

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