Flats neighbours wake to the sound of rats running across their ceilings in Dallington Street
Published: 19 March 2010
by RÓISÍN GADELRAB
RATS have invaded a block of flats in Finsbury, keeping neighbours awake at night as they scurry across ceilings.
Tenants at St Paul’s building in Dallington Street, off Goswell Road, say the rats have been nibbling at bread and scoffing dog food in flats.
Several neighbours have reported seeing the rats in the road in daylight.
One resident, Carley Wain, who lives on the second floor, said the rat problem had become worse since builders started excavating next to the block.
“I’m a clean freak but I’ve seen them [rats] in my flat,” she said. “It’s disgusting. They walk down the street like they are off to work. The council said pest control are controlling it but it’s clear they are not.”
Mother-of-two Lorraine Brown’s kitchen has been plunged into darkness because, she believes, rats have been nibbling at wiring.
She said: “You can hear them running on the ceiling like they’ve got trainers on. They cut up our papers to make nests. I live with my two boys and we’re all asthmatic. I’ve got burning eyes, a sore throat and I’ve been vomiting. It’s from the smell of the rats weeing. Everyone’s distressed. This is an emergency.”
A spokeswoman for housing association Southern Housing Group said: “We are aware of the issues and are continuing to work with residents to alleviate this problem. We ask that any concerned residents contact us directly on 0300 303 1771.”