Rat control back on the agenda

NORTH Norfolk District Council,which withdrew free rat control six years ago, has taken a step closer to reintroducing a discounted service.Officers at North Norfolk District Council will bring a report to cabinet on Monday naming Pest Express as the nominated approved contractor to provide the service.

NORTH Norfolk District Council,which withdrew free rat control six years ago, has taken a step closer to reintroducing a discounted service.

Officers at North Norfolk District Council will bring a report to cabinet on Monday naming Pest Express as the nominated approved contractor to provide the service.

If agreement is reached next week, it will bring to a close a number of changes in the north Norfolk system across several years.

The service is set to cost about a third of the commercial cost at £36 for rats - and other control services will also be provided.

The council replaced a free service with a charged one in 2002 then dropped it altogether three years later because it was not cost effective, but with a view to finding a commercial partner.

The choice of Pest Express follows a tendering process which saw six companies compete for the contract. The tenders were assessed on a number of points, but cost to residents was “critical” according to environmental protection team leader Mark Whitmore.

Council officers will also continue to focus on dealing with the root causes of infestation rather than simple extermination.

The cabinet meting will be asked to formally appoint Pest Express to the role.