ENVIRONMENTAL health officers are asking the public for help in their fight to reduce the town's pest population.

The growing national trend in take-away food, often discarded on streets, is contributing to the growing numbers of rats and other vermin which are attracted to the food, particularly in town centres.

Clr Mike Doyle, executive member for St Helens Council environmental protection, said: "Rat infestation is a national problem and Newton has no bigger problem than other neighbouring towns. However, rats are carriers of serious disease. By properly disposing of waste food in an appropriate waste bin, we will reduce the number of rats and other vermin within the town."

The council has just completed the first stage of a major treatment of the town's sewerage system in an attempt to reduce the rat population.The work is being done on behalf of United Utilities which part funds the annual treatments.

For further information call 01744 456338/6353 8.30am and 9.30am or 4pm to 4.45pm.