Rats are “an ongoing problem” at a trampoline park in Brent Cross, and have been for years, a former worker claims.

Flip Out in Staples Corner Retail Park describes itself as “the best indoor trampoline and adventure park in north London”.

But it temporarily closed from January 18 to 21 for a fumigation and deep clean after a health and safety inspection by Barnet Council revealed a rodent problem.

A former employee has said that rats were a constant problem at the venue, and could even be found where kids eat their party food.

The worker, who was employed at Flip Out for 18 months, said: “Literally within my first week of working there, I already saw rats. And then people who had worked there longer than me told me it was an ongoing problem.

“As time went on you started to see more and more of them. It was horrible.

“On average, in a week, we’d get one or two complaints about it from customers.

“I’ve seen them from the reception area all the way up to where the trampolines are, where the kitchen is, even upstairs in the party rooms where kids eat their food.”

He added that Flip Out would call out pest control at least once a month, but that rats would still be found around the venue.

Mike Randall, head of compliance and facilities at Flip Out, said: “Cleanliness, hygiene and safety is a number one priority for our team at Flip Out Brent Cross.

“All of our monitoring and prevention practices comply with all the relevant environmental health regulations and we will continue to work hard to ensure that there are no future issues with pests.”

In a statement posted to Flip Out's Facebook page on January 18, Mr Randall confirmed that a health and safety inspection had taken place at the venue. 

He said: "We are taking immediate measures to ensure the safety of our customers at our Flip Out site and have decided to close until 9am on January 21.

“During the three-day closure we will be bringing in external companies to fumigate all areas and carry out a full deep clean of the building, including emptying the foam pits."

A Barnet Council spokesperson said: “We are aware that there has been a rodent problem within the premises through our recent Health and Safety visits to the premises. This business has arranged for pest control to be undertaken. 

“This is a current case that we are investigating and ensuring that appropriate remedial actions are put in place to resolve the issue.”