There are fears that a massive increase in pest control charges may lead to a town being overrun by mice.

The proposals, which could be rubber stamped early this week, will see Worthing Borough Council's mouse extermination charges rise by up to 500 per cent for some householders.

Charges for those on benefits will increase from £5 to £26 under the new regime, while all other customers will see a small increase from £50 to £52.

The plan has led to accusations from opposition parties that poorer people are being unfairly targeted.

Liberal Democrat councillor Alan Rice said: "It would appear that those who can least afford it are being recommended to be hit the hardest."

A council report claims the rises would bring the council in line with other local authorities but it concedes that raising prices could lead to fewer people calling in pest control staff.

The report states: "The introduction of charges on pest control services is a sensitive matter and could lead to a reduction in the level of requests for treatment.

"In relation to charges for the control of rats on residential property, a charge was introduced for the first time in April 2004. The first six months saw a two-thirds reduction in demand for this service."

Rat extermination in Worthing will remain free.

Councillor Bryan Turner said: "Like a lot of other local authorities we've suffered from low Government grant settlements so we've had to find other ways to raise money. But this does just bring us into line with other councils around us.

"We have a statutory duty to provide pest control and if we contracted it out to the private sector the prices would be far higher. That could lead to rats and mice running around everywhere.

"I'm confident we're offering value for money here."

Coun Turner has already agreed the new charges in draft form. Charges for other pest control services are also set to rise slightly.

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