Council chairman turns pest control officer for a day

South Gloucestershire Council chairman Cllr Ian Boulton turns pest control officer for a day

4:51pm Wednesday 7th August 2013 in News By Alexandra Womack

THE chairman of South Gloucestershire Council swapped his ceremonial chain for a wasp suit when he joined the authoritys pest control team.

Cllr Ian Boulton (Lab, Staple Hill) asked to see the team in action after learning that they are donating their fees for talks on pest control to his official charities, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Southmead Hospital and the Bristol Aero Collection.

Summer is traditionally a busy time for the team with wasps in particular causing problems for residents and businesses, and Cllr Boulton was able to get some hands-on experience of their vital work on several call-outs.

He said: "Pest control is a low-profile but vital aspect of the councils work and I was delighted to join the team for a day to see them in action.

"I was amazed at the variety of the teams work which covers everything from wasps nests and rats to fumigating buildings suffering from flea and cockroach infestation."

He added: "It was particularly interesting to learn how important pest control can be for our local businesses. For example in extreme cases, rat and mice infestation can close entire businesses down for days or even weeks so its good to know the team are available to deal with it quickly and effectively."

Pest control officer Tim Powles said: "It was great to have Ian along for the day and to tell him about the importance of good pest control.

"Fortunately most of us are rarely troubled by pests but when an infestation happens it can have quite serious consequences with harm or injury to humans and damage to property."

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Council chairman turns pest control officer for a day