Mum 'driven mad' by mice and fleas in council home

A mother says she is being driven mad by fleas and mice in her council home, just weeks after moving in.

Lucy Day says she has to live in one room of her Margate flat as her three-year-old daughter is so scared of the rodents.

The 38-year-old claimed Thanet District Council had visited the property several times to investigate but told her pest control was the tenant's responsibility.

A council spokesperson said they found no evidence of an infestation and that pest control measures are "not something the council has a duty to provide to its tenants".

Ms Day said she cannot afford to tackle the problem and questioned why she should have to, having moved in eight weeks ago, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

She said: "It's a nightmare. I'm literally living out of my daughter's room and we make our food in an air fryer. I haven't even plugged my cooker in."

Ms Day said: "I try to stay out as much as I can during the day and only stay here at night.

"To be honest with you, it's driving me mad."

Ms Day also shared concerns for the health of her daughter, who has asthma.

She said a hospital note stated she was showing signs of a reaction, which she claimed was caused by flea bites.

Thanet District Council said the previous resident never reported any similar issues and stressed that pest control was the tenant's responsibility.

A spokesperson said: "We understand that dealing with pests in the home is an unpleasant experience for anyone.

"Residents are responsible for getting rid of infestations, including fleas, bed bugs, cockroaches, mice and rats, in their own home."

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