A pest control technician has launched her own business after BCP Council said it would make cutbacks.

Sharon Tyler, 61, has created SPC Pest Control, after BCP have stopped their own service and gave her notice. 

Working for the council for 28 years, 16 of which were in the pest control division, Sharon has been left 'devastated' by the news but said she is excited for what's to come. 

She said: "It's just been such a crappy year - I lost my mum and then my job. It's been hard and leaving after 28 years, it's not going to be easy. 

"It was a shock unfortunately, It was never a thought of mine to start my own business, I had a good job and guaranteed wage so it didn't ever cross my mind. I enjoy my job and I can't imagine doing anything else."

Given her notice on April 3, Sharon has received a huge amount of support on Facebook after she shared news of her new business. 

Now three weeks since she started, she hopes to keep old customers who relied on BCP in the past while also expanding. 

She said: "I want to make sure everyone is aware because a lot of people do know of me because of my work for the council. 

"Customers have already said because I've worked with the council, that they've felt comfortable in contacting me. I think a lot of single ladies also like a female to come in which is nice to offer."

SJP Pest Control offers services to deal with rats, wasps, mice, fleas, and carpet moths while also able to offer discreet service with magnetic removable signs.

BCP's decision to stop the service came at a full cabinet meeting on February 20 with staff offered 'redeployment' or redundancy. 

A BCP Council Spokesperson said: “Like all councils, we continue to face a challenging economic environment, and as part of our work to set a four-year balanced budget we have made some difficult decisions around discretionary services for residents - such as pest control - which the council has no legal obligation to provide.

“There are several private companies in the locality that residents can contact once the service ends at the end of April.”