Ashford is facing a huge explosion in its rat population.

Reported cases of the vermin have shot up more than 10-fold in the past five years.

More than 1,500 cases of domestic rat infestation were reported to the council last year, costing the council, along with other pests, £88,000.

Rat statistics obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show that in 2003, pest control officers dealt with 114 cases of rats, compared with 1,539 last year.

The borough council deals with infestation in homes in the area.

Restaurants and commercial companies have to bring in their own private contractors to deal with rats so incidents related to food outlets are not included in the statistics, meaning Ashford’s rat problem could be even more serious.

A council spokesman said: “We remain confident we are dealing with all pest control matters in an efficient, effective and safe way.

“As Ashford continues with its programme of growth and expansion we will see a rise in population and it is understandable that this may be impacting on these numbers.

“In addition, the construction works that are being carried out as part of these growth plans may be disturbing some rats’ habitats.”

Full story in this week's Kentish Express.