Rats force mother and daughter to move out of flat

A mother and child have temporarily moved out of their flat because of a rat infestation.

Olga Ngoma said "no normal person" could stay in her housing association property in Kingsthorpe, Northampton and the pests had been a constant worry for several months.

Her 10-year-old daughter is being looked after by a family member while she stays with friends.

Northamptonshire Partnership Homes said it had held discussions with the family about a temporary move to alternative accommodation.

Ms Ngoma has lived at the property for 11 years and has never had an issue with rats before.

Pest controllers have visited the flat on several occasions but she said it was "a temporary solution" with the rats returning after a few days.

The rodents have chewed through the power cords on a number of kitchen appliances, including the washing machine and cooker.

The flat had become "smelly" and her daughter struggled to sleep with the sound of rats in the ceiling, she said.

Ms Ngoma said the rat issue was affecting her mental health: "It's really sad. This is home, I've been here for a decade, this is my happy place.

"I'm supposed to feel safe but I'm surrounded by rodents. They're eating all my food and messing up all my stuff, I'm not happy."

In a statement, Northamptonshire Partnership Homes said: "We were first alerted to a rat problem by Miss Ngoma on 9 January 2024.

"In July, it was reported to us that further properties had been affected.

"Since these reports, pest control contractors have visited the site on two occasions and have determined the nature and scale of work required, including structural work to the properties to prevent any further pest ingress.

"Given the scale and invasive nature of the eradication works, we have held discussions with Miss Ngoma and her daughter regarding whether a temporary move to alternative accommodation would be appropriate."

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