THE peculiar decision by the Oxford City Council to suspend the free pest control service is indeed confusing.

The rat control team was keeping the vermin population in this part of Summertown in check but now that the pest control is charged for, we already have rats running about the garden.

Of course, we tried buying our own rat control feed, as purchased from the hardware stores, but even the strongest preparations are clearly not effective.

It may be that the rats have developed a resistance to the feed.

But, whatever the reasons, we have not been able to contain the vermin.

It is surprising that the public health authorities have not taken control of this situation and not only because rats are known to be a health hazard.

It is also very disappointing that households can’t keep the patio doors open for fear of rats invading one’s home.

Can the public health authority please sort this out? Or should we send for the ‘Pied Piper’?

BRANKO BABIC Middle Way Summertown