FEES will still be charged for rodent control in Richmondshire, despite the decision by a neighbouring authority to scrap them.

Hambleton District Council introduced charges for its rat-catching service on April 1 this year but has already agreed to drop them as too many residents were trying to avoid the fee by dealing with problems themselves.

But the Richmondshire authority said it is unlikely to follow suit as it has no evidence of its residents trying to avoid charges for domestic pest control, since they were introduced in April, 2002.

"Our fee is a one-off payment for each case, no matter how many times we have to come back to deal with a problem,'' said head of commercial health, John Jamieson.

"Besides, we often find all residents need is help and advice - and that comes free of charge.

"Of course, there was some reluctance when the fees were first introduced but we were in a position where we had to ask the public if they wanted a service or not.

"It is an unfortunate reality of life that, if they do, then they have to pay for it.

Mr Jamieson said most people have realised what the district council can offer is often cheaper than pest control services available elsewhere.