Rats chewing through house ceiling 'like horror movie'

A family say they have had months of "horrific nights" hearing rats running around the loft

A family have said their lives had become like a "horror movie" after rats chewed holes through a bedroom ceiling.

The residents of the Salford property said they had been tormented by months of "horrific nights" listening to the sound of rats scuttling around the loft above them.

Rebecca, who has lived in the ForHousing property with her nine-year-old son and older teenage daughter since August 2021, said she first reported the problem in February but was ignored.

ForHousing apologised to the family and said the problem was being dealt with by Salford City Council's pest control team.

'Scared to sleep'

The holes were repaired after the Local Democracy Reporting Service contacted ForHousing about the problem on Friday.

Rebecca said she thought a build-up of litter and rubbish bags in the area could be attracting the rodents, adding she was at her "wits' end".

She said when she reported the issue she was "point blank told they would not assist in the funding of pest control from the local housing officer".

She said: "I had explained that a rat had come through the kitchen cupboard while we ate dinner, causing so much distress as you can imagine."

ForHousing apologised to Rebecca and said it had raised concerns about the litter near her home

Rebecca said she had taken time off work due to anxiety and not being able to sleep.

"It's horrendous. My children refuse to eat in the kitchen area.

"My son is nine years old and afraid to go to bed. This is not acceptable. It's like a horror movie."

Martyn Hague, executive director at ForHousing, said he was "very sorry" for Rebecca's experience, adding he wanted "everyone to feel safe and happy with their home".

He said the pest control team at the council were carrying out suitable treatment.

He added: "We appreciate this is a difficult and frustrating time while the treatment takes effect.

"Once it is finished, we will visit Rebecca to carry out any repairs that are needed."

He said they had also taken action to address concerns about litter near the home which could be attracting pests.