BIN strikes are leading to an explosion of vermin on the streets of Southampton, experts have warned.

One pest controller has reported a 20 per cent rise in call-outs to deal with rats and a 25 per cent increase in fly infestations since industrial action by refuse collectors started three weeks ago.

The situation is only predicted to get worse with binmen not due to return to work until June 22.

Full story in today's Daily Echo.