"The smell stinks": Rat infestation plagues MoD Southwick Park - instructors deal with vermin "on their desks"

MoD Southwick Park, formerly known as HMS Dryad, has suffered from a severe rat infestation. It currently houses the Defence School of Policing, Security and Guarding, which trains the service police of the armed forces.

One source, who asked to remain anonymous, told The News that funding for pest control has reduced, leading to a rat problem as a result. “Hampshire Driver training police instructors have had rats on their desks, in drawers looking for food and all over their office space,” they added.

“The rest room has just been closed as rats have made such a mess looking for food. The smell from the rat excrement stinks. Other teams have been moved out to Netley, or are working from home, but driver training still have to work in the rat-infested offices.”

The source said more than 50 creatures were captured in mid-October. “This has been going on for weeks, with nobody listening to our concerns,” they added.

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Southwick Park, in Southwick Road, is also home to the Royal Navy’s strategic wargaming hub. The tactical centre has had high-ranking British and Nato guests over the years.

An MoD spokesperson said the rat infestation started after the process of demolishing a derelict building began in August. Officials are aware of the situation, with the spokesperson stating that action is being taken.

They added: “A pest control contractor surveyed the full site and a number of measures have been put in place which have resulted in a significant decrease in activity and will remain in place throughout the demolition. Hampshire Police has been kept fully informed at all times and all affected offices have been deep cleaned.”