Verminators

RAT trap . . . Valerie and Ronald angry at the £30 council pest charge

OAPs in rats charges revolt
Pensioners Ronald and Valerie Brain have become Oldham’s oldest ratcatchers — after revolting against council pest control charges.

Oldham Council has introduced a £30 charge to save money but residents say the fee will create a health hazard.

Mr and Mrs Brain, aged 79 and 76, took matters into their own hands and have become adept at dealing with the vermin.

The couple first spotted rats coming into the back garden of their home in Boston Street, Hathershaw, at the end of March.

A pest control officer from the council laid rat bait down for free, and the grandparents-of-two thought the matter dealt with.

But when the vermin returned two weeks ago, the couple were stunned to find the council had introduced the charge.

Instead of paying, the pensioners bought an £8 rat trap from Oldham market and caught two rats in two days.

Mr Brain said: “I’m getting so good at catching them, I’ll be able to get a job as a ratcatcher for the council.

“The council told us the service would cost £30 for private properties, but free for council tenants.

“It should be free for everyone because rats are vermin.

“It’s ridiculous to introduce the charge. Don’t we pay our council tax?

“And how do we know their bait is really getting rid of the rats?”

Mrs Brain said: “It’s very upsetting and we’re worried.

“We asked where we should put the dead rats and council staff said in our bin or take it them the tip, but we’re not leaving them rotting in our bins.”

Pensioner and former Shaw and Crompton parish councillor Val Pemberton of Princess Road, said she was also stunned to discover the charge when she called pest control officers to help rid her of a rat in her garden.

She said: “I know the council is struggling for money, but £30 is too much. It’s a lot of money.

“Vermin have to be dealt with. It’s a health issue and they can’t just be ignored.

“We pay enough on our council tax for a free service.”

Elaine McLean, executive director of economy, place and skills, said: “The decision to charge for pest control services was proposed as a budget option and agreed by the full council, following consultation.

“This is a service that many local authorities already charge for and have done for some time.

“The charge is reasonable and will ensure we are able to continue to provide such a valued service.”