Residents hit out at Bromsgrove District Housing Trust over worsening rat problem - The Bromsgrove Standard

Residents hit out at Bromsgrove District Housing Trust over worsening rat problem

Bromsgrove Editorial 12th Jul, 2018   0

FED-UP residents have hit out at Bromsgrove District Housing Trust (BDHT), claiming it has failed to deal with a rat infestation behind their homes.

The properties on Elm Grove, most of which are bungalows, all lead out to the same footpath at the back of each garden and beyond that is the plot which has been plagued by the rodents for months.

The residents say the land, separated by a metal fence and owned by BDHT, has been left overgrown, providing an environment for the rats to thrive.

Hazel Collins, aged 75, said the rats were frequenting her garden.




“I constantly see them scurrying around.

“The amount of times I’ve gone to my shed to find them running around inside is a joke.”


Hazel first contacted Bromsgrove District Council because she thought it owned the land but was told it had been sold to BDHT.

“BDHT representatives promised me they would tidy up the area by April.

“No one came to sort out the problem and now the infestation is probably worse than ever before.”

Hazel, along with her neighbour Ann Taylor, aged 77, have put down rat poison which has so far failed to make a difference.

Ann, who has lived on Elm Grove for 23 years, said: “Some of the rats must have had babies because it seems like there is more and more all the time.

“I have lived here for a huge part of my life and have never seen the situation so gruesome.

“Most of our dogs are barking at night time because they can see and hear the rats.

“It’s keeping everyone in the neighbourhood awake and it’s a real nightmare.”

Alan Williams, Environmental Services Manager at BDHT, said: “We appreciate this situation is upsetting for our customers and other residents.

“We are working closely with Worcestershire County Council, which is regularly baiting the area. We appreciate it is our land, so we will develop a plan to improve the area, and regularly maintain it.”

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