A RAT problem is escalating in Palmers Green because Enfield Council has no money to bait a river believed to be the source of infestation, residents have claimed.

Householders in Ecclesbourne Gardens, whose homes back on to Pymmes Brook, claim that rats are coming up from the stream and invading gardens and homes.

But the council's pest control team says that a lack of staff and resources means the council cannot currently provide a baiting programme for the brook.

Chloe Hayes, who lives in Ecclesbourne Gardens, says the infestation of rats is becoming unbearable.

"They are gnawing away at my floorboards and they are in my house, it is making me very unhappy," she said.

"My seven-year-old son saw a dead rat and he is petrified, but I have to be brave for him and try and keep it in perspective."

A letter to Ms Hayes from the council's pest control team reads: "At this present time due to staff reductions and the availability of resources, the pest control section does not provide a specific pro-active brook-baiting programme.

"However, the area will be surveyed and treated where necessary as soon as resources permit."

Ward Councillor Bambos Charalambous reacted angrily to the news.

He said: "It defies belief that this is not a priority for the council whilst picking on street traders displaying their wares seems to be more important for the Tories. They are totally out of touch with people's priorities."

The council treats infestations of mice and rats for a £66 one-off call-out charge, a service provided free to residents on low incomes.

But Sarah Hill, secretary of the Fox Lane & District Residents Association, said a reduction in the council's call-out charges would encourage more householders to use the service.

She said: "Rats are very nasty creatures and a health hazard, but it is a problem across north London. I think the amount of rubbish tipped on our streets also attracts the rats."

Gillian Young, Chairwoman of Broomfield Residents Association, believes the problem is escalating. She lives in Kelvin Avenue, a street in Palmers Green formerly plagued by rodents.

She said: "Rats are everywhere and we still find them in the garden dead or alive. They are not shy and are not scared of anybody."

And the situation is only going to get worse because of the increase in the rat population thanks to a succession of milder winters, according to pest controllers.

John Davison, secretary of the National Pest Technicians Association, said: "Rats like to have somewhere that's dry and sheltered to nest. They're not bothered by water but they don't want to live in it 24 hours a day."

Joan Ryan, MP for Enfield North, said she thinks there is a rat problem in Enfield. "Every neighbouring borough has wheelie bins and I think this would help," she said.