A COUNCIL has baited almost 2,000 sewers for rats and completed almost 1,500 free pest control treatments in 10 months despite the coronavirus pandemic, it has been revealed.

The operations across Blackburn with Darwen took place despite operatives not entering houses because of the Covid-19 risk.

The figures were revealed by borough environment boss Jim Smith.

He was answering a public question at Thursday night's meeting of Blackburn with Darwen Council's Executive Board.

Borough resident Martin Kerry asked him: "Is it correct that the pest control is not operating due to Covid?

"Last year whole areas of the town were plagued with rats.

"If council staff are not able to do the work should it not be subcontracted to private sector who are working?"

Jim Smith: "The council provides a Free pest control service for residents however; it is not a statutory service, which means the Council is not legally obliged to provide this service at all.

"The pest control service is not entering houses to treat pests because of the potential risk of Covid transmission to residents and to staff in the midst of the pandemic.

"However, the council has continued to offer a free pest control service throughout the pandemic, unlike a number of local authorities who have ceased the service provision altogether.

"Since the March 23 2020, when the initial lockdown occurred, the pest control service has carried out the following works: we have responded to 1,419 domestic external pest control treatments requests and we have baited 1,900 sewers to reduce infestations."