A local councilor's change of heart on pest control sparks debate in Middlesbrough. Despite previously opposing a council pest control service, Councillor Joan McTigue has now raised concerns about the growing rat population in the area. But here's the twist: she's pointing fingers at takeaways, claiming their litter contributes to the problem. And this is where it gets controversial—the councilor's own voting record is being used against her!
During a Middlesbrough Council meeting, Councillor McTigue, representing Longlands and Beechwood ward, expressed her worries about the rat infestation, stating, 'I've had them for the first time.' She advocated for the reinstatement of a rodent-busting scheme, suggesting that some housing associations aren't doing enough. However, Mayor Chris Cooke had a surprise in store. He revealed that Councillor McTigue had voted against a council pest control service in the 2023/24 budget, a decision that predated the 2023 local elections and a change in administration.
Mayor Cooke assured the council that the upcoming 2026/27 budget would include enhanced pest control measures, with a four-fold increase in pest control operatives for green spaces. He also promised a subsidized resident pest control service, emphasizing that other providers already have statutory duties to manage pests. Councillor McTigue argued that the rat problem has worsened since her vote in 2023, but Mayor Cooke countered that the issue existed then, too, and could have been better managed with the previously proposed service.
The proposed budget also includes improvements to the environment department, such as more neighborhood caretakers, park keepers, and street cleansing. With the budget vote approaching, Mayor Cooke urged councilors to support the measures, suggesting they would benefit young people while making life harder for rats. But the question remains: will this new budget effectively address the rat problem, and what role should different stakeholders play in pest control?
