A BOLTON Euro MP has hit out at a new EU directive which is banning the use of a popular rat poison.

The European Parliament has passed the ban of the rat poison difenacoum — and its associated brand products — prompting UKIP MEP Paul Nuttall to say it raises the risk of a rat and mouse outbreak.

Mr Nuttall, UKIP Euro MP for Bolton, raised the issue in Strasbourg to highlight the problems he says it will cause.

He said: “EU rules and regulations are running out of control again.

“But this is nothing compared to the rats and mice which will run out of control when common rat poison is taken away from householders.

“Only professionals will be allowed to put down this rat poison which is freely available in shops and can even be bought online . The ordinary UK householder, will have to wait for the council rat man.”