RATS are becoming a major problem for Falmouth residents, according to one town councillor, who claims the streets are 'being overrun with vermin'.

Diana Merrett raised the issued during the town council's annual parish meeting on Monday evening.

In her annual report, she told fellow councillors that the cost of vermin control was putting off local residents from reporting the issue.

She said: “We have a rat problem which Cornwall Council won't help us with as they stopped sending out the rat catcher as it costs too much money.

“A lot of people cannot afford the price of £40 a time for the rat catcher to come out, again I am knocking on doors to highlight the problem, and I also question Cornwall Council's policy as the town is being overrun with vermin.”

Ms Merrett also questioned the amount of rat bait being put down to try and prevent any such problems.

*Have you had a problem with rats or mice in your street? The Packet is trying to build up a picture of the problem across Falmouth and Penryn, so if you have had any issues with vermin, let us know by calling the newsdesk on 01326 213337, or e-mailing greg.fountain@packetseries.co.uk

**You can check out the Packet's "RAT MAP" too: RAT ON A RAT MAP: Let us know where the rodents are hiding