A rat infestation that plagued a huge UK housing estate left residents screaming in horror after the pests were seen running around their homes.
The rodents were seen scurrying through attics and even spotted in living rooms on the Tre Creuddyn housing estate in Llandudno, North Wales, last month. Conwy County Council no longer operates a pest control service but local politician Janet Finch-Saunders asked council officers to investigate the health and safety issue, suggesting the council provide skips on the estate, the Daily Post reports.
Rats are known to carry several viruses and bacteria that can be potentially harmful to humans, including cryptosporidiosis, hantavirus, listeria, toxoplasma gondii, and Weil's disease. Mrs Finch-Saunders voiced her concerns about the rat problem at the Tre Creuddyn estate. "I have had several residents approach me raising concerns that there appears to be an infestation of rats at the Tre Creuddyn estate." she said.
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She believes the issue is more widespread than just a few homes and even if private households hire pest control, the problem would likely persist. "In fact, I know of constituents who have paid for pest control services but had rats subsequently return! An estate-wide approach is required so to help protect public health." she added.
Fellow Tory and Llandudno councillor Thomas Montgomery blamed fly-tipping and the council's waste collection methods. "Since my election as a county councillor, the issue of waste management and fly-tipping has been an ongoing concern for my residents," he stated.
He also criticised the council for increasing charges for its bulky waste service, making it less affordable for low-income households. He said: "This issue has been compounded by this council administration increasing charges for its bulky waste service, reducing the affordability of the service for low income households across our community.
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"It is clear that we need to re-think our approach to waste management to ensure that residents are enabled and empowered to dispose of their larger items and general waste in a responsible, accessible, and an affordable way."
Housing association Cartrefi Conwy, and its managing director Katie Clubb said the problem has now been fixed. "We have responded quickly to residents' concerns to get the matter dealt with properly and effectively, and I am glad to say that issue was resolved by the middle of November," she said.
"Ensuring our tenants have a safe and comfortable living environment is always our paramount concern, and we will continue to monitor the situation. In the meantime, we are updating Janet Finch Saunders to reassure her that the issue has been dealt with."
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