Neighbours await actions on rat issue

The father of a family that’s been plagued by rats says he’s prepared to have his family sleep rough as nothing has been done for them or the problem property.

They’re just one of several residents The Voice has spoken to living near a house in London Road, Spalding, where, in May, 55 animals were seized by the RSPCA.
The family, who have a young baby living with them, are unable to open the back door as there are so many rats in the back yard, while others have been coming in through holes in the walls of the rented accommodation.
One neighbour has been providing and maintaining rat traps for some on the street.
After the RSPCA and Lincolnshire Police action, the father of the family, who wishes to remain anonymous, had hoped the council would be able to move him and clean up the problem property.
However neither has happened.
“The situation is hopeless,” the father told The Voice after asking the newspaper for advice on who to contact in cases of homelessness. “I had a telephone conversation with the Housing Officer twice but they told me that they had no apartments available.
“The agencies say they have nothing available until the end of August.
“I am not working now because of absences related to housing problems.
“Our little one has been breathing strangely for some time now. We’re all worried,”
Another member of the public who lives nearby contacted us to ask why nothing had been done with the house itself.
“Apart from the animals being gone, nothing has changed inside,” they said. “I’ve spoken to the council and they said there are difficulties with red tape.
“I went past there recently and the window is wide open, not that anyone would dare climb through as it’s so unpleasant.”
A spokesman for South Holland District Council said that the authority had served two notices on the owners of the home.
“Our Environmental Protection Team continue to liaise with the residents of London Road to address ongoing issues with rodent activity in the area,” they said. “We have advised nearby properties to be alert for rodent activity, to check for access points and seal them in their own properties, and to undertake a rodent treatment.
“Two notices have been served under the Prevention of Damage Due to Pests Act 1949 requiring an effective pest control treatment to be undertaken and for the clearance of harbourage.
“We continue to try and work with the owner of the property to ensure compliance with these notices.”