Locals are concerned about an infestation of huge rats scurrying about in the Titirangi village centre.

It's believed overfeeding wild chickens is giving the rats plenty to feast on, and the Waitakere Ranges Local Board is meeting tonight to decide on how to get rid of them.

Chairman Greg Presland told Heather du Plessis-Allan it's been recommended the Board vote to get rid of the flock.

He says he thinks the chickens are crowding out native birds from the area.

Presland says killing them would be controversial and rehoming them could be an option.

LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW ABOVE