WATER voles have been blamed for a rat infestation in a Kent village that is driving visitors away.

Concerns about harming the smaller species with poisons have led to a lack of action, which is adversely affecting the life of villagers in Dymchurch.

Landlady of the Ocean Inn June Lamb said: "We’ve been told the authorities can’t do anything as they mustn’t harm the water voles."

Mark Head, landlord at the Smugglers Chest next door, said: "All we want is to make Dymchurch safer and cleaner for residents and tourists, but none of the large authorities are helping us."

The Environment Agency said a pest control company is now taking action and humane traps will be used so the water voles can be released if caught.

* See the Kentish Express, Folkestone edition for the full story.