A COUNCIL which is closing down its pest control service is battling a flea infestation at its headquarters.

Ironically, staff at Vale of White Horse District Council’s office in Abbey Close, Abingdon, noticed the pesky invaders, just as the authority was set to axe its pest control service.

Councillors decided to get rid of the service to help save £710,000. But a week before they endorsed the move at a meeting on February 23, staff noticed the fleas and called their in-house expert.

Ian Crick, chairman of the Vale branch of trade union Unison and a health and safety inspector for South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “It’s embarrassing. If it had happened after the cuts, they would have to bring in an outside contractor.”

Matthew Barber, pictured, leader of the Conservative group on the Liberal Democrat-run council, said: “Finally, the Vale get a taste of their own medicine, as they find out how difficult it will be for the residents they are supposed to serve.”

The Vale’s pest control service will be closed down at the end of the month, with one employee made redundant.

Residents will instead be advised to use private contractors.

Council spokesman Victoria Tilley said: “A handful of fleas were found in one office. The area was treated immediately and there have been no further problems. As a precaution, the adjacent area was also treated at the same time. It was treated by council staff.”