RESIDENTS who live in a rat-infested block of flats have become increasingly angry as they have been left to live in the "nightmare" for at least a year.

As previously reported, Irene Hall’s sister lives at the block of flats in Pexalls Close, Hook, which she said is “inundated with rats”.

She said: “It is just a nightmare home. There are people with mental health issues in the block of flats and it is just disgusting.

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“Pest control has been out and rat-proofed but it has done nothing. There are people there with mental health issues and rats are now putting snouts through the ceilings and there are rat droppings in the kitchens, they are in the lofts and cavities.”

The building is maintained by Thames Valley Housing Association which previously confirmed to the Gazette that it is aware of the problem. It has previously sent pest control out but the problem remains nearly three months on.

Irene said the rat problem has been going on for at least a year.

She said: "Pexells Close is now worse than ever. They (Thames Valley Housing Association) sent out pest control who supposedly blocked all the drains off but there are now rats actually in the flats. They sent them out again to supposedly rat-proof the flats.

"Since then one of the ladies has had a rat in her kitchen just chewing through the ceiling now to get in. There were also rat droppings behind the things on the countertop. They are still running around the ceilings and under the floor and down in the cavities."

Irene has informed Hart District Council of the issue who have since instructed pest control to install a camera in the loft of the building, which was expected to be removed on October 7.

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Irene told the Gazette the problem is now affecting residents' mental health.

Shed added: "My sister is in a frail state of mental health now and it is just awful you are just stuck in there and you can't get away from these pests. 

"I am worried about her health with the stress of it, I even took her away last week to get her away from it."

A spokesperson from Thames Valley Housing Association said: "We’re very sorry for the issues residents continue to face and understand how unpleasant this is for people.

“Following the inspections conducted at the end of August by pest control specialists, the action was taken involving the building’s drainage system, alongside work outside to prevent pests from entering. Further work was also carried out on 6 September, and we have contacted all residents to ensure internal checks and works within homes can be conducted.

“We’ve arranged for cameras to be installed in the loft space, and that footage is currently being reviewed by the specialist contractors.

“Throughout this time, MTVH (Metropolitan Thames Valley) colleagues have been in regular contact with residents, and we will continue to work alongside them to ensure that the issue is fully resolved as soon as possible.”