WHEN it comes to controlling rat infestations, a council is showing it has the Pied Piper's touch.

Bucking the national trend, Easington District Council has not only stabilised the rodent population in its area, but has managed to dramatically decrease the numbers.

Figures for the past two years show a 29 per cent fall in the number of calls reporting the presence of rats.

The statistics are in marked contrast to a recent report prepred by the National Pest Technicians' Association, which revealed a serious increase in infestations across the country.

Latest figures collated by the association showed a 13 per cent increase in treatments for brown rats and a 22 per cent increase in "summer rats'' - those reported between April 1 and September 30.

Ian Hoult, environmental services manager at the council, said: "As well as responding to any reports we receive of rats, the district of Easington is also very proactive in its work to prevent the problem, which we believe has helped us reverse the national trend.

"Much of this work involves regular visits to allotment sites, monitoring them and putting down bait stations when necessary, so we can break the breeding cycle and keep rat numbers down.''

Mr Hoult added: "We also encourage members of the public to get in touch with us if they believe there is a problem with rats in their area, as the most effective way of controlling the problem is to act as quickly as possible.''

Residents in the district are promised a same-day visit by a council pest control officer if they report a problem with rats in their home.

If they have spotted rats in their yard or garden, they receive a visit the next day.

The council also provides a commercial pest control service that can be hired by businesses in the district.

"All these measures help us to keep the number of rats down. However, members of the public can also do their bit by disposing of their rubbish responsibly,'' said Mr Hoult.