Rats invade flood-hit properties

The residents say they never had a problem until last year's floods

Residents of a Berkshire town hit by floods last summer say their homes have been besieged by rats ever since.

Some say poor repairs by a housing association have caused rodents to move into homes in Fleetwood Close, Newbury.

But the Home Group has denied the claim and said all repairs were carried out to a high standard.

It added it was not responsible for "damage or infestation to household possessions", but that information on how to deter rats would be issued.

The residents say they never had a problem with the creatures until a local drain was overcome with rain last summer, causing the area to flood.

I've never had a problem with rats up until the floods Julie Raymond Resident

Nadia and Alan Ankinson said they had been forced to leave traps all over their home and insisted the housing association must help.

Mr Ankinson said he caught "eight underneath the sink".

He removed them himself but said the rodents kept on returning.

"As you can see they're still there", he said.

"[The housing association] haven't come out, they haven't done it.

"We had them enter again, we've just got rid of them again, and they still haven't been out."

Newbury residents face rat problem

Resident Julie Raymond told the BBC the flood repairs had left gaps in the properties, which made the rats' route indoors much easier.

"I've never had a problem with rats up until the floods," she said.

"We've been here nine years."

In a statement, the Home Group told the BBC: "Home staff are concerned to hear that residents at Fleetwood Close are experiencing problems with rats.

"Unfortunately staff are unable to deal with the problem directly.

"This is because the terms of a home tenancy agreement do not cover incidence of damage or infestation to household possessions.

"Home Group can confirm that any structural work required to properties affected by floods at Fleetwood Close were completed to a high standard and were not left with any gaps that could potentially provide access for rats.

"Staff will be issuing letters to residents of Fleetwood Close providing detailed advice on how to deter rats as well as information about local pest control companies."