A COUNCIL pest controller ‘refused’ to remove a wasps’ nest from a Masonic hall because its committee had no payment card.

A representative of Greenhead Masonic Hall, Greenhead Road, contacted Kirklees Council’s pest control department to remove a wasps’ nest in the attic above a kitchen.

The hall is used for Masonic and public functions.The Masons claim they were told they could not use the council’s service without paying up-front, over the phone, using a credit or debit card.But they add that last year, the hall management was allowed to pay £42 by cheque on the day to have another wasps’ nest removed.

Chairman of Greenhead Masonic Hall, Paul Fahey, said: "I think it’s outrageous. "It’s a nuisance for anyone to have a wasps’ nest.

"We’re going to get an outside agency to do the work now. I don’t know much that’s going to cost. Kirklees are supposed to provide a service.

"There are old people who don’t have a credit or debit card."What’s wrong with paying by cheque?"We have contract parking and have the public using our hall and car park. We don’t want them getting stung by wasps.

"A spokesman for Kirklees Council said: "This is a corporate policy which came into force a year ago to combat the problem of small debts.

"Payment for this type of service must now be made in advance, preferably through card payment.