Council won't remove wasps' nests if ladder is required

Town hall chiefs have been labelled ‘barmy’ amid claims Pendle Council refused to remove a wasps’ nest – because it required the use of a ladder. Barnoldswick councillor David Whipp made the comments after a resident contacted him to complain about the incident.

They said their request for an officer to visit their property had been dismissed over the phone because the nest could only be reached with a ladder.



Coun Whipp, who represents the Craven ward, said: “This is a crazy situation. Many wasps’ nests are at a high level in roofs. Presumably it’s down to stupid risk assessments.

“Apparently they’re supposed to use a long pole to apply the poison. The council provides a service to clear wasps’ nests, but is saying that they won’t do them if they need a ladder. It’s completely barmy. Perhaps the council needs to advertise for Spider Man to carry out this work.”