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

Neighbouring Hambleton dropped fees 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 said it was not aware of any similar problems.

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

"I understand the district authority's reasons behind the charges but we know rat problems have increased," saida former mayor, Councillor Tom Burrows.

"There have also been rats reported 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 spokesman said there were no plans to do so at present and any rethink would be decided by council members.