Greenock gran's River Clyde Homes flat infested with rats

Agnes Black says she can no longer have her three grandchildren in her John Street home for their own safety, or use her kitchen, because of the out-of-control pest problem.

River Clyde Homes tenant Agnes, 61, says she has found at least FIVE of the rodents running around her kitchen

She called landlord for help but the rats haven't gone away. 

Agnes says that the problem is widespread in the surrounding neighbourhood and told how others in her close have had the same problem.

The grandmother was forced to take matters in to her own hands when rat poison didn't work and she laid traps in a bid to get rid of the creatures.

So far she has caught SEVEN rats.

But the infestation has continued to plague Agnes, putting her health at risk as well as that of her daughter Trisha and son Kevin.

Agnes said: "This is a major health hazard. I have found them behind my cooker and in my bathroom. I can't get rid of them. I have stayed here for 24 years and it has never been like this before.

"I can't even use my kitchen any more, we have been eating out instead.

"I know that other people in the close are having problems with rats as well. They are everywhere.

"I keep phoning River Clyde Homes and they come out with traps and poison but the problem doesn't go away."

She added: "I have health problems because of diabetes and my daughter has learning disabilities. She is terrified of the rats. She is going to the doctors because the skin on her leg is all broken out with stress.

"We need help and I don't know what else to do. I can't have my three grandchildren coming to the house, I have an 11-year-old, a three-year-old and the little one is two weeks.

"My nerves are shattered. Our neighbour says the rats are coming in through a hole at the back of the building."

The RCH tenant is not happy with their response to the infestation, saying it has proved ineffective.

Agnes added: "They come out with poison but it doesn't work. I ended up having to put my own traps down. They said I shouldn't do that, but what else can I do?

"I think they need to move the whole close out temporarily until they get rid of them. Someone is going to get sick."

When the Tele contacted the housing association they confirmed they were aware of the ongoing problem with rats in the property and stated that they were working to bring it under control.

A spokesperson for River Clyde Homes said: "We are aware of the situation and are engaging with the tenant and our contractor to resolve the situation as soon as is practically possible."