A letter to the Andover Advertiser 18 April 2008

Mr Pain’s letter (11April) raised some very valid points about rubbish and the knock on effect of overflowing bins on the local environment. It is an over simplification to blame bird feeders for the increase in rat population. The rat population is increasing and it is regrettable that Test Valley Borough Council has not allowed sufficient funding to be able to continue to give a universal rat catching service. Mild winters, as a result of global warming, will lead to an increase in the rat population and we (TVBC and residents) must be prepared to take appropriate steps to deal with this. I have raised a number of these issues with council officers and will continue to push for the best service practicable to ensure rubbish is collected and rats are controlled. In the meantime I would urge residents and local businesses to ensure all bins are not overfilled and emptied regularly. If anyone needs advice or help they can get it from
Test Valley’s customer services on 01264 368000.

With reference to the particular problem area Mr Pain highlighted council officers have contacted local shop keepers asking that bins are emptied regularly and not allowed to overflow. Residents may also be interested to know that an Environmental group is currently being set up in Alamein ward to monitor and deal with just the sort of matters raised in Mr Pain’s letter. The next meeting will be held at King Arthur’s Hall on 29 April at 7:00pm.

Mr Pain’s letter can be found on the Andover Advertiser website at http://www.andoveradvertiser.co.uk/news/letters/display.var.2184612.0.bird_feeding_is_only_a_small_part_of_the_growing_rat_problem.php