Pest controllers called into Acland Burghley School following parent’s complaint, but bosses insist canteen is clean

Published: 2 March, 2011
by JOSIE HINTON

‘Our school is infested with rodents’ 

PEST controllers have been brought in to a Tufnell Park secondary school after a parent complained the building was “infested with rodents.”

Bosses at Acland Burghley School, in Burghley Road, have confirmed there is evidence of mice in the school, but say a “range of strategies” are in place to ensure hygiene.

A pest controller is already regularly enlisted by the school but staff were prompted to contact a second firm this week after being notified of the complaint by Camden Council.

In an anonymous letter to officials, the parent said: “The school is infested with rodents – dead mice or rats are found in heaps, eating in classroom bins, running in the canteen and in corridors.  I have been told that the smell of decomposing rats, as well as their faeces and urine, is unbearable.”

She added: “Their presence warrants concern because of the illnesses rodents are known to spread.  

“Please do not wait until there is an outbreak of a serious illness before you undertake to do something.”

Headteacher Jo Armitage said the parent had not contacted the school directly and staff only became aware of the complaint when contacted by council staff.

She added: “Like all public buildings, the school does have mice living in it. We are not aware of any rats in the school buildings. We have a regular pest control company working with us and know the areas most likely to have problems. 

“This complaint prompted us to invite a second pest control company in to give us a second opinion. They have suggested some further action we could take.

“In addition, the school’s cleaning and the school’s kitchen are regularly monitored by Camden personnel. 

“I can confirm that the food served in the school canteen is completely safe to eat.”