Brecon Town Council has called on businesses to do their bit to prevent pests, such as rats and pigeons, from infesting the town.

In a letter addressed to all business, the town council said it was worried about “rat and pigeon nuisance” in Brecon, and therefore asked that all food waste be stored securely until collection, and areas outside properties be kept clean and tidy.

The letter reads: “Brecon Town Council is very concerned about rat and pigeon nuisance in Brecon and is working hard to provide various solutions and to implement preventative measures in this regard.

“Food sources are a major reason for infestation of both rats and pigeons, and without a food source they will not stay.

“We are therefore writing to all businesses to ask that they please ensure that all possible and potential food sources, such as food waste and rubbish, are stored securely until collection to avoid them becoming a food supply for vermin.

“Furthermore, you are asked to please keep the areas outside your property clean and tidy to avoid providing any habitat for pests.”

The council said that it has been tackling various areas to improve the general cleanliness in the town and added that due to the increase in people eating and drinking outside due to Covid, this is all the more important.

The letter comes amid the vote from Powys County Councillors in favour of re-establishing a Council-run Pest Control Service.

The agreement was reached after Welsh Labour Councillors Sandra Davies (Cwmtwrch Ward) and Matthew Dorrance (St John Ward) put forward a motion to the Council’s July 15 meeting.

The successful vote means the Conservative and Independent ruling Cabinet will now be charged with implementing the council’s decision.

Powys County Council scrapped its Pest Control Service in 2014. That forced residents to hire private contractors to deal with pests like rats and mice.

Cllr Sandra Davies said: “I am very pleased that councillors have recognised that Powys County Council is best placed to deliver a Pest Control Service on behalf of its residents, but it is disappointing that councillors from the ruling Conservative and Independent Cabinet opposed it.”

“Whilst I recognise that Pest Control Services are not statutory services, they are important and very much needed in our communities. This has been recognised by the council and we are grateful to all the councillors who supported the motion.”

Cllr Matthew Dorrance added: “It is good news that the council has voted to establish a much-needed Council-run Pest Control Service. For too long residents and our communities have been left high and dry by the council.

“The council has made the right decision and I hope the ruling cabinet move without delay to re-establish the important service.”