Cinemagoers were left horrified after finding rats munching on popcorn at an ODEON cinema. Claire Bermingham and her friends had arrived early to watch The Colour Purple at the ODEON Luxe cinema in Maidstone, Kent, only to find rodents all over the place.
The 47-year-old was shocked to see “lots” of rats in the luxury cinema, sitting in cup holders and gnawing on dropped popcorn. Mrs Bermingham, who has a background in health and safety, complained that the cinema shouldn’t be open if it’s overrun by rodents.
A spokesperson for ODEON suggested that other businesses at the Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre might also be affected due to its location near the River Medway and the complex’s many food outlets. However, a council spokesman dismissed these claims, stating there was “no indication” of problems elsewhere in the complex.
Recalling her unpleasant 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. We could see rat 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.”
An ODEON spokesperson stated: “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.”
But Mrs Bermingham was adamant, though – the cinema should be closed until the rat issue is fully resolved.
“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.”
However, a spokesperson for Maidstone Council disagreed with ODEON’s claim that it wasn’t just its cinema affected.
“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.
