RESIDENTS plagued by rats now have to pay for a pied piper service to get rid of the pests.

In June, Bromsgrove District Council introduced a £35 charge for its pest control officer to make up to three visits to deal with the rodents. Previously the service had been free.

Details of the new charge only came to light when a Rubery resident phoned the council to complain about rats in his garden and was told he would have to pay.

He contacted his district councillor, Colin Wilson (Lab-Waseley), who claimed he had to search through the 'small print' of this year's budget to find details of the new charge.

"It surprised me," he added. "But I hope the charge does not deter people from dealing with vermin."

David Williams, the council's head of environmental health services, said Bromsgrove was one of the last local authorities to impose a charge, which is reduced by 50 per cent for people receiving benefits.

He said that compared to some other local council's charges the charge represents good value for money.

The council's operative is able to offer expert advice on the source of an infestation, the best methods of control and provide other support, he adds.

"The fee brings the council much needed income and has generally been accepted as reasonable. But if we do find there is a lot of resistance to it resulting in public health problems then we will have to reconsider," he said.

"But early indications are that people are not being put off from contacting us."

The council employs one full and one part time pest control officer who annually deal with between 1,600 and 1,700 calls for help. They deal with all types of vermin likely to affect public health including wasps, fleas and bed bugs.