Call to bring back council pest control as rats on the rise in Calderdale
Three years after the phasing out of a council’s pest control service, a councillor is urging it should be brought back, claiming rat infestations are on the rise.
Coun Osman Khalil urged the council and Cabinet to “seriously consider” bring back a pest control service.
He raised the issue asking a question at Calderdale Council’s September Cabinet meeting.
The service’s phase-out over several months was announced under the previous Labour administration in October 2023, and the council website page confirms the service is no longer offered.
Coun Khalil (Ind, Park) criticised that decision and called for changes.
“I am flabbergasted that the previous administration stopped the pest control in 2023 now I speak not only for Park ward but pretty much across Calderdale as a whole,” he said.
Coun Khalil said pest control was not simply about removing pests but about protecting homes, businesses, public spaces, health and the environment.
When pest problems are not dealt with quickly and effectively, they grow into bigger problems more expensive to solve, he said.
He urged the new Reform UK administration, which won control of the council at May’s local elections, to restore the service.
“Residents should be able to feel safe and comfortable without the fear of rodents taking over and spreading disease.
“Bringing pest control back would also demonstrate that the Cabinet is listening to the concerns of residents and taking practical action to improve the local environment,” he said.
He found support from Cabinet members who said what could be done would be explored.
Cabinet member for Community Safety and Enforcement, Coun Paul Hawkaluk said: “The scheme to scrap it was at best short sighted.”
Coun Hawkaluk (Reform UK, Salterhebble, Southowram and Skircoat Green) said a Cabinet member at the time had said the council would do all it could to keep communities safe.
But that was just words and no action, he said.
“I totally agree with you.
“We now have vermin as an issue,” said Coun Hawkaluk.
He said he would work with Environmental Health officers over the issue.
“Let’s look at ways we can tackle this, what the options are,” he said.