"Rats are having a field day in the West Midlands, because of Labour’s inadequate litter controls! " according to Michael Fabricant.

A new National Pest Technicians Association survey has shown that Britain’s rat population has increased by 31 per cent in the last year – with the West Midlands’ rat population soaring from 15% in 1998 to 20% last year.

Mr Fabricant says: "Dumped junk food and other litter is identified as a major cause. Inadequate litter controls and selfish eaters have meant many streets in Britain and the west midlands are now infested with rats. This is clearly unacceptable. We need urgent measures to get rid of the litter that is frequently strewn across our neighbourhoods upon which vermin thrive. Lichfield District Council performs better than most, but it often has to clear up after the remains of take-aways are discarded on our pavements particularly at weekends.

"I support a three-point scheme which would be implemented by the next Conservative Government. (1) Councils will have to pay compensation to local residents if their rubbish is not collected on time. Audit Commission research shows that Labour councils are twice as likely to fail to collect rubbish on time during the hot summer months compared to Conservative councils. (2) There will be tougher penalties against illegal dumping of waste and fly tipping. (3) Councils will be able to keep revenue from fines for littering. This will allow councils to fund new anti litter teams to clean up our streets.

"Like on so many other things, Labour have ratted on their promise to be the ‘greenest government ever’ " adds Michael Fabricant.