Hopes that Ashford’s growing rat population could be reduced by the introduction of wheelie bins have been dashed – as the council says the bins would be unpopular and costly.

A Kentish Express investigation revealed Ashford’s rat population is growing year on year – as it is across much of the rest of the county.

A combination of mild winters, litter problems and rubbish bags is being blamed.

But while the number of rats is increasing in Ashford, the numbers have been reduced dramatically in Thanet, which the council says is due to the roll-out of wheelie bins in the district.

In the first quarter of 2008, 120 rat and mice reports were made to Thanet council, down from 270 in the same period last year and three times less than first three months of 2006.

The total number of rodents spotted annually is falling sharply, with 645 sightings in 2007 compared to 1216 in 2006.

Paul Jackson, head of environmental services at Ashford Borough Council, said: “When this council’s refuse collection contract was reviewed in 2000 a survey of local residents showed that only 36 per cent of people who responded were in favour of wheelie bins.

“This, together with the fact that wheelie bins did not represent the best value for money for council taxpayers, led the council to decide not to adopt the use of wheelie bin collections.”

Cllr Neil Bell, portfolio holder for environmental services, said: “Ashford Borough Council remains confident that it is dealing with all pest control matters in an efficient, effective and safe way, and our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of residents.”

An earlier report on our website stated that a picture of rats in a bird feeder was taken at the new Havillands housing development in Wye.

The picture was actually taken in a garden in Bramble Lane, Wye, which was not part of the Havillands development. We apologise for the error.