A PLAGUE of mosquitos has descended on Walton-le-Dale according to residents itching to be rid of them.

The blood-sucking pests have ruined the summer for many who have suffered this unprecedented attack, and one woman has sent a petition for help to South Ribble Borough Council.

But environmental health officers there say they are not obliged to do anything.

Christine Swarbrick, of Knott Lane, Walton-le-Dale, said: "It seems to be getting worse every year. Some people have been hospitalised.

"We have all been bitten. Some people are scarring and reacting badly."

Pharmacist Mike Ruxton of Pomfret Chemists came a little too close for comfort to one of the giant pests.

He said: "I caught a huge mosquito - the biggest I have seen. I felt something on my face. I brushed it off and as it flew I sprayed it.

"At it's peak we were seeing 20 people a week with bites."

One of the people who reacted badly to the bites was Margery Smallwood, 66.

Mrs Smallwood said: "My hand swelled up with the poison. I had a red line running up my arm and had to get some antibiotics."

Now Christine Swarbrick has a petition of 30 households asking the council to solve the problem.

Principal Environmental Health Officer David Maher admitted that he had seen more mosquitos in Walton-le-Dale this year than at any time during his career with South Ribble Council.

But he added: "We don't consider they are a health hazard."

Mike Ruxton with the huge mosquito.

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