ENFIELD Council tenants who are plagued by pests in their homes can now find a speedy solution with the launch of a new service.

Instead of ringing the housing office, residents with wasps, rats, mice, ants, fleas, cockroaches or bed bugs can now dial straight through to the pest control team.

Advice will be given free of charge, but treatments are chargeable, except for people on benefits.

Cllr Terry Neville, cabinet member for the environment, said: "Previously, people could wait up to a week before Pest Control could confirm a day to visit sometimes even longer. Under this new arrangement, tenants can be given an appointment day when they first ring in.

"Last year we received more than 1,000 calls from tenants troubled by pests and this will almost certainly rise this year because of the increased number of wasp reports. Given this demand, we're sure that people will appreciate a speedier turnaround time."

The number to ring is 8379 2310 on Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4pm.