Residents plagued by rats to be charged £30 for pest…

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FAMILIES will have to fork out 30 to get rid of rat infestations under council plans to introduce charges for the service.

Newcastle Borough Council currently sends out pest control experts for free to homes and businesses plagued by rodents.

But its ruling cabinet has voted to press ahead with introducing charges from April this year.

It will cost a resident or business 30 for up to four visits from an exterminator, although people on benefits will either get the service for free or at cut-price.

Council leader Gareth Snell said: "A 30 charge is still much below the market rate. It could be 100 if you went elsewhere."

The local authority receives around 2,500 pest control complaints every year.

It already charges 65 for treating wasps' nests and ant infestations.

Residents also pay a 25 subsidised rate for three visits to rid their homes of problems with mice.

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