CUTTING the frequency of bin rounds could cause the rat population to explode, a pest control organisation has warned.

Several UK councils have stripped back refuse services in a bid to cut costs and others - including Bradford - are expected to follow suit.

But the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) has urged local authorities poised to slash waste collections to think again.

Simon Forrester, chief executive of the BPCA, said: "Any move to reduce the frequency of collections is good news for pests and a recipe for disaster for householders.

"Rats and other pests are always searching for food, water and shelter and they can find all three in household bins, particularly those that are overflowing with rubbish.

"Infestations can build up very quickly so bins that are left full on streets and around homes for long periods pose a significant threat to public health."

Bradford Council's Labour leadership has put forward plans to cut general waste collections from weekly to fortnightly, from 2017, in a bid to save £1m a year and improve recycling rates.