RATS, mice and insects are set to be dealt with more effectively following changes to Wychavon District Council's pest control service.

Throckmorton-based Premier Pest Control has won a three-year tender to deal with chargeable services - including removing rats, bedbugs, wasps, mice and cockroaches - for residents who would previously have been referred to the Yellow Pages.

The council will still provide a free service for the treatment of rats, mice and wasps to residents on income support.

Wychavon's environmental protection manager Geoff Carpenter said: "We have listened to our customers and are now confident this new service will meet their needs."