CHARGES for pest control in Richmondshire seem set to stay for now, despite Richmond Town Council's claims they could be making the problems with vermin worse.

Neighbouring Hambleton dropped fees, which were introduced earlier this year, when the local authority was told people were avoiding reporting infestations for fear of ending up with a bill for dealing with them.

Fees were also introduced for domestic properties in Richmondshire last year - but, earlier this month, the council insisted it was not aware of any similar problems.

However, the town council has claimed there has been a rise in the number of rats spotted along the River Swale, particularly on New Road, York Place and Bridge Terrace.

Former mayor Tom Burrows said: "I understand the district authority's reasons behind the charges but we know rat problems have increased. There have also been reports of rats in the back yard of the Black Lion since it has been closed, as well as in the Market Place."

The town council voted to call on the district council to scrap pest control fees.

But a district council spokesman said there are no plans to do so at the moment and any change of heart would be decided by council members.