Councils to pool pest control services

Pest control services are being pooled at two councils in a bid to save £60,000, it was revealed today.

Five officers will now be covering both South Staffordshire and Stafford Borough Council areas.

The borough council is already sharing technology, building control, revenue and benefits and other services with Cannock Chase Council – a move that will save £250,000 this year.

The district council shares its audit function with its counterpart in Lichfield, and procurement and some legal services with Staffordshire County Council.

Councillor Roger Lees, cabinet member for public health protection services at South Staffordshire, said: "Not only are we protecting one of our most popular front-line services, but we're saving the taxpayer money too."