Cinema-goers at Odeon disgusted as 'rats gnaw on popcorn all around them'
A disgusted cinema-goer has described the moment they spotted rats munching on popcorn at an Odeon.
Claire Bermingham travelled with her friends to the Odeon Luxe cinema in Maidstone, Kent, for a screening of The Colour Purple. However, their movie night turned into a horror show when they spotted 'lots' of rats crawling around the luxury cinema, snacking on spilled popcorn and even sitting inside cup holders.
Frustrated, Mrs Bermingham, who has experience in health and safety, argued that the cinema should not be open if it was so overrun by rodents. A representative from Odeon suggested other businesses at the Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre might also have rat problems, likely because of its close location to River Medway and the multiple food joints in the area. Yet, this claim was dismissed by a council spokesman stating there's 'no indication' of such issues anywhere else in the complex.
Claire Bermingham said she and her friends had arrived early to watch The Colour Purple (No credit)Recalling the terrible experience, Mrs Bermingham said: "There were lots of rats... it was quite surreal." She added, "We arrived a bit early so we opened the doors and saw them all over the chairs and in the cup holders." She concluded, "We could see rats tails sticking out and traps everywhere. We left and spoke to a manager as I didn't want to stay in there. I asked if we could watch another film if one hadn't started but we were told the problem is with all the screens."
A spokesperson for Odeon said: "We are aware of the issue at Odeon Maidstone, which has impacted the cinema alongside other units in the Lockmeadow Leisure Complex. The cinema holds a 5* hygiene rating and carries out extensive and regular cleaning tasks." "We are working with the site manager of the Complex and local services to resolve the issue as quickly as possible."
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But Mrs Bermingham insisted the cinema should remain shut until its rat problem is dealt with. "I've worked in health and safety, so I know the diseases they carry," she added. "They shouldn't be open, especially with the school holidays and half-term coming up. I'm still a bit shocked by it all."
Despite Odeon's comments that the problem was not specific just to its cinema, a spokesperson for Maidstone Council begged to differ. "The council takes this issue with upmost severity and has engaged with Odeon regarding these reports," they said. "The council knows that Odeon has a pest control system in place which is regularly reviewed and is industry compliant."
"Odeon has also been taking specific measures to deal with the issue. This report is confirmed to be confined to the areas that are managed by Odeon, and there has been no indication of problems elsewhere on the Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre site. As the owners of Lockmeadow, the council ensures that its managing agents have stringent measures in place to maintain high standards and to minimise the risk of infestation."
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