MORE residents have hit out at Bromsgrove District Housing Trust (BDHT) claiming it has failed to deal with a rat infestation in their homes and now they want to move out.
The Standard received further complaints after running a story about Hazel Collins who was suffering with rats in her garden.
She has since been visited by BDHT director Graeme Anderson and now admits that she is ‘very satisfied’ with the response.
Mr Anderson told her work would begin to eradicate the rats within the coming weeks.
Now Sophie Bartlett, who lives in a part-ownership BDHT property in Rubery, says she has been suffering with a rat problem for four years.
Mrs Bartlett, who read our story, said: “I suddenly felt like I wasn’t alone and that was fantastic.
“I know it’s shocking to say, but as a family we have become so used to the rats eating everything and running around our home that it almost feels normal.
“We feel ignored and neglected by BDHT and feel they often pass the issue on to another colleague to deal with.”
Mrs Bartlett wants to upgrade her family home for a bigger size but fears she can’t put it on the market knowing the rat problem still isn’t sorted.
“If it wasn’t for the rats there would be nothing to stop us from leaving – we’ve had enough and we want out.
“I wouldn’t sell this to anyone though, it wouldn’t be fair.”
Meanwhile Lisa Collins from Churchfields Close has recently put her part-ownership house up for sale, claiming she has been ‘ignored’ by BDHT for the last nine months.
She said: “It’s been going on since we first moved into the property last September.
“BDHT has sent a pest control company to put down poison a few times but it never ever fixes the problem.”
Mrs Collins claims the rats had eaten personal items in her garage which she can never get back.
“My granddad gave me pictures before he died and they have been completely destroyed. They were irreplaceable.”
“I can’t wait to get out here, I feel sick.”
Graeme Anderson, BDHT director of housing and communities said: “We recognise pest control problems can be very distressing.
“We are committed to working closely with Bromsgrove District Council and Environmental Services in supporting any residents with concerns specific to our properties.
“Our customers can call the free phone number 0800 0850 160 and we will put them in touch with a local pest control specialist.”
