Promise of action over rat dangers

Jan 19 2008 by Barry Gibson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A TOP Kirklees councillor has pledged to step up the fight against rats.

The promise comes as public concern grows over twice-monthly bin collections, which some people say could increase the number of the vermin.

Food tossed on to the street is encouraging vermin in Dewsbury; now Clr Martyn Bolt has promised action.

The council Cabinet member for environment matters said: “In response to local concerns we will be putting in extra resources in coming weeks in Dewsbury.

“Pest control, environmental enforcement and food safety teams will visit hotspots and advise people on their responsibilities.’’

He added: “We will take action against people who are causing the rat problem by not getting rid of rubbish properly.

“Businesses are responsible for dealing with the rat problems which their activities cause. If they do not the council can move in, do the work and charge them for it.”

Clr Bolt’s comments came as some Kirklees people expressed concerns that the controversial switch to fortnightly bin collections would mean more waste would be left uncollected for longer. bringing more vermin.

Clr Bolt said most rat infestations were the result of discarded food.

He said: “It can be down to blocked or broken drains, but the vast majority of problems come from people either throwing food on the street or behind premises or not disposing of waste properly.

“We are not just talking about food premises and takeaways. All business owner have a duty of care to dispose of waste properly.

“We seek to work with business owners, but the council can’t spend taxpayers’ money clearing up problems on private land.”

The rubbish-strewn site of the former Safeways on Bradford Road in Dewsbury became infested with rats last year. Clr Paul Kane, who represents Dewsbury East on Kirklees, said the rat problem in the town was “like an infestation”.