Pest control costs explode

A PEST problem sweeping Oldham has prompted councillors to demand the dropping of big proposed hikes in pest control charges.

The council budget includes plans to raise charges for treatment for bed bugs and cockroaches by 133.33 per cent to £70, with a 66.68 per cent increase in treatments for rats and mice, to £50.

Councillor Peter Dean told yesterday’s council performance committee he found the figures “extremely difficult to accept,” saying people with pest problems were likely to be among Oldham’s poorest.

He wants the cost kept the same, or increases to be low.

Councillors agreed to ask the local Cabinet to review the proposals.