THE scale of Blackburn with Darwen’s problem with rats and pests has been revealed in new national figures.

The borough comes 25th in a league table of 407 local authorities UK-wide with 17.72 pest control call-outs per 1,000 people in 2013/2014, more than Manchester.

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The figures from the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) confirm the problems Blackburn with Darwen faces with rats, with environmental health officers called out 1,551 times to tackle the vermin over the 12 months, putting it in the top 50 across the country.

Borough head of public protection Tony Watson revealed that in 2014/2015 the number of rat calls outs rose to 1,584 as his officials stepped up the baiting of sewers to eliminate the vermin.

The BPCA has warned government spending cuts and a growth in the number of councils imposing pest control charges could worsen the problems.

Blackburn with Darwen started charging £15 for tackling infestations of rats, mice and cockroaches this year.

The Lancashire Telegraph has recently revealed rat problems in Audley, the Glenfield Park business complex and the Bradda Close sheltered housing complex in Highercroft.

Engineer and secretary of Blackburn, Darwen and Rural Civic Voice Simon Hugill said the problems were worsened by rats fleeing the drains and culverts under the town centre because of the disturbance caused by major building works.

He also blamed litter from takeaways for adding to the growing problem of vermin living in the town.

Mr Watson said in 2012/2013 there were 1,941 calls out to deal with rats, adding: “Over the last several years there has been an overall decrease in reports we have received.

“Even though there has been a reduction in staff, we still respond to all public requests.

“We have only recently commenced charging for pest control activity within private property, in line with the majority of councils across the country.

“The number of reports is less where councils charge for the service and as a result, the figures will be higher because of this.

“We continue to carry out work to tackle the problem, including a sewer baiting programme.”