Rats 'running wild' at Telford flats

Families living in Dalford Court, Hollinswood, can hear the rats inside their wall cavities at night, with some reporting having actually seen the animals inside their homes.

Resident Nigel Toffanin first reported the problem 15 months ago after rubbish was dumped near his home, but he said that it has got worse in the time since.

The 50-year-old carer said: "We're just infested by rats. We've had them in our kitchen and we've had them in our wall cavities.

"They bit a hole right through our wall. I heard a noise one night and they ran across the kitchen when I went in. I moved the washing machine and there was a great big hole there.

"It's not very nice. You worry about your health and hygiene. It makes you feel unsafe.

"We've got a four-year-old niece. It's not nice for her to come here while this is happening."

Mr Toffanin said he had reported the problem a number of times but so far he feels that there hasn't been enough done to help residents in the area deal with the problem.

"Nobody seems to be getting on top of this problem," he said. "The rats are nesting in the bushes in the area, but the bushes are still there.

"Because it's cold they're getting in the bins or they're going into people's properties. I thought they'd be on top of this in the summer, but it never happened.

"They should do regular visits with pest control."

Andy Johnson, general manager for The Wrekin Housing Trust which owns some of the flats, said: "The trust is aware of a pest control issue around the flats in Hollinswood which has resulted largely from refuse and fly-tipping.

"Telford and Wrekin Council is responsible for the collection of domestic and household waste in the area and the trust is working closely with them.

"Although we only own 22 of the 257 flats in Hollinswood we are continuing to work with all residents, owners and privately rented tenants to encourage the correct disposal of refuse."

Telford and Wrekin Council said that it can help residents deal with rat infestations in public and private areas, although if it sends a pest controller to domestic residences there may be charges.

For further information about pest control issues and refuse collection in the Telford area visit the council's website telford.gov.uk