Worries voiced over Henley Lake island work disrupting nesting birds has been put well and truly to rest.
Workmen who inspected the island not only found it devoid of birds but also infested with rats, a huge deterrent for birds planning on having a family.
Digger drivers reported seeing water rats swimming away once work to clear vegetation started, apparently heading for sanctuary on other islands in the lake.
Deputy mayor Graham McClymont said a walk round the island had revealed in recent times there had been "zero maintenance" on the island and the vegetation had been mostly rubbish plants like gorse and broom.
Since work had started and the rats had fled, birds had taken an interest in what was being done to the extent they had congregated to feed on worms and bugs uncovered by the diggers.
