Family's Rat Infestation Nightmare in Council House

0:00It's April 30th. This is Lester News today, AI-powered stories from your city. I'm Cory with the story. A family in Lester Shire says they've been tormented by rats scratching and gnawing in their council house law for months. Alexander Pickering, 29, moved his wife, son, and daughter into the renovated semi-detached place in Colville back in June 20, 25. Within weeks, noises started right above their young daughter's bedroom and they reported it to Northwest Lester Shire District Council on August 11th. No real action came until they complained again on October 2nd, sparking five pest control visits from October 6th to December 15th. Crews used over 50 bait units to fight the confirmed rat infestation in the insulation. Around the same time, black mold popped up downstairs too. The sounds terrify the little girl, keeping her up at night and sending her crying to her parents, which wrecked everyone's sleep and Alexander's work. His 31-year-old wife has cystic fibrosis, making the mold extra risky for her health.

1:04The whole ordeal piled on massive stress for the family. The council admitted they missed the rats during a pre-move inspection by their contractors. Alexander pushed back on their first compensation offer of 100 pounds, getting it bumped to 500 then finally accepting 1000. The housing ombudsman agreed there were response failures, but closed the case in April, since fixes were underway. Now, with roof repairs wrapping up and scaffolding coming down April 29th, the council's team is nearly done and they've kept the family. Updated through a liaison officer, sounds like relief is on the way after a rough ride.