A DISABLED man who rents a flat from a housing association says he has been "driven mad" by rats.
Stephen Southwick, 58, says life became unbearable when rats invaded the roof space at his ground-floor property in Plowes Court, Hessle.
He complained to Places For People, the Lancashire housing association he rents the two-bed flat from, but says he was told he needed to pay for the problem to be resolved.
When Mr Southwick, who has multiple sclerosis and is confined to a wheelchair, contacted East Riding Council, he was told it was the responsibility of the housing association.
Finally, after calls from the Mail, Places For People agreed to act – at no cost to Mr Southwick.
Mr Southwick, who has lived in his flat for the past 20 years, said: "I am really pleased it has been sorted.
"I am on Incapacity Benefit and could not afford the £45 fee I was quoted by the council for them to come out and get rid of the rats for me."
Mr Southwick said problems began two months ago.
He said: "I began hearing this awful scratching noise.
"It comes coming from the ceiling.
"I had someone come to look at it. The specialist tapped the ceiling and it seemed to wake them up.
"I was told rats were in the space between my flat and the one above.
"I am being driven mad by them. I am struggling to sleep because of the noise they make. It's worse at night."
An East Riding Council spokesman confirmed the authority had been contacted by Mr Southwick in September.
He said: "We advised him of the service we provide and that it would cost him £45, which is a reduced rate, because Mr Southwick is on means-tested benefits.
"The problem is that Mr Southwick has a tenancy agreement with a housing association, so a conversation needs to be had between them."
In a statement, a spokesman for the housing association said: "Places For People is committed to providing the very best customer service and we are sorry if this has not been the case in this instance. We are now in contact with Mr Southwick and will be providing the necessary support to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.
"There will not be a cost implication to the customer."
