SHROPSHIRE Council’s decision to end pest control services with immediate effect will have a negative impact on vulnerable people, according to someone who has used it.

Andrew McKay is a charity worker based in Weston Rhyn whose own business contract with the unitary authority for pest control has been cancelled.

He says that while the charity he works for will be able to employ a private contractor, he admitted he feared for vulnerable people who might not be able to afford or correctly instruct private workers to carry out the work.

And he called on private contractors to help people with vulnerabilities to ensure work is carried out effectively at reasonable pricing.

He said: “I’m really disappointed that this has been cancelled because there are people out there who really need this service.

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“I mean vulnerable people within the community who that if they have something like a wasps nest that has to be removed, now they’re going to have to find someone to do it for them.

“That means they’re going to have to pay for it or have a situation where they have to welcome someone new into their property.

“It’s disappointing it’s gone because this is a service people rely on but whatever they cut, it’s going to upset a lot of people.

“How can they pick what services to cut in the future?

“What we don’t want is supply and demand meaning that private contractors can put their prices up and that vulnerable people can’t afford it.”

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In emails sent to Mr McKay by Shropshire Council, they have stated that services for 2023/24 and ‘the foreseeable future’ would be withdrawn as part of cost-cutting measures for the financially-hit authority.

Shropshire Council said that advice is available to those who need it but confirmed further access to pest control services is now at an end.

However, the council did not confirm how the end of service will impact on vulnerable people.

A council spokesman said: “From August 1, 2023, Shropshire Council will no longer be providing pest control services.

“If anyone has a rodent or insect infestation and is looking for an approved provider, useful advice can be found on the council’s website.”

For more support and information, head to www.shropshire.gov.uk