FEARS have been raised that a recycling scheme in Darlington could result in a rise in the rat population.

Lynn Robson, of The Stray, said the area had had rats in the past, and fears the borough council's kerbside recycling scheme will attract more.

She said unwashed empty cans of dog food left in recycling boxes outside, which do not have lids, will attract rats.

"Environmental health came out to put poison down for the rats and told us to make sure there was nothing laid around for rats to eat, but unwashed empty cans of dog food is exactly that," she said.

Yesterday was the first time the scheme collected paper, glass, cans and plastic from Mrs Robson's area of town.

But she was not impressed with the scheme, amid concerns that without lids the rubbish in the boxes will be blown around.

She said the boxes were too small for fortnightly collections, and by putting them on the kerbside, they block the pavement and result in people with prams having to walk in the road to get past.

She said: "I agree with recycling, it's important for future generations, and I always have recycled what I can, but I'm just concerned this isn't very well organised."

A council spokesman said to provide a lid for the boxes would cost the council £65,000, which it could not afford. However, residents could buy them for £1.50.

He said advice had been issued on washing and squashing empty cans, and that recyclable materials dealt with properly would attract no more rats than normal refuse.