Ongoing rat infestation plagues Church Court residents for two years

THERE have been calls for urgent action this week to address an ongoing rat problem in a local residential area.

Residents of Church Court in Strabane have been living with a serious rat infestation for nearly two years, which they say has been making their lives hell and affecting the mental health and wellbeing of their children.

One resident has had to have the back door to her home replaced after rats tried to gnaw their way through it, while residents also say they no longer allow their children to play outside.

Local independent councillor, Raymond Barr, is supporting the residents in their calls for a permanent solution to the long-running problem.

He said he was first alerted to the issue last week after being contacted by a fellow councillor.

“We went to the area, and it was clear straight away that the problem was quite serious,” he said.

“Residents had photographs and videos, and we also saw evidence ourselves.”

Councillor Barr also spoke of several alarming incidents reported by residents, including damage to property and concerns for children’s safety.

“One of the rats had eaten the bottom of a back door of a house,” he said. “Another resident told us that her children’s toys, which had been left out in the garden, had rats climbing over them.”

In another case, a rat reportedly entered the underside of a car and chewed through wiring, disabling the vehicle.

Councillor Barr confirmed that pest control services had previously attended the area, but the problem persists.

Residents believe the rats are gaining access through holes in a wall at the rear of the properties, where a field rises to nearly the same height.

There was initially a dispute over ownership of the wall, but it has since been established that it was constructed by the housing association.

“We have contacted the housing association and Environmental Health,” councillor Barr continued. “I will also be carrying out a site meeting with residents next week.”

He stressed that a coordinated response is now required.

“The housing association and Environmental Health need to put their heads together and try to get this issue resolved," he added.

"There is potential for a lot more trouble if it’s not dealt with properly.

“There is a clear danger to safety and, in particular, a danger to health.

“The fact that rats can breed at an alarming rate is a major cause for concern; they can produce hundreds of offspring.”

Another local independent councillor, Jason Barr, who shared videos on social media showing large rats running about in the back yard of a property, says the situation must be addressed

"How can anyone be expected to live like this," he said alongside the videos.

"This is what residents of Church Court in Strabane, along with surroundings areas, are dealing with day and night.

"One resident has had their back door replaced due to the rats having ate and scraped through. Countless rats are seen daily.

"Disgraceful that still no permanent action has been taken to date."

Woven Housing, which owns the development, said: "Woven Housing Association is aware of an intermittent issue with rodents in the Church Court area of Strabane.

"We’ve been actively working and will continue to work with council’s health, housing and public conveniences team and the adjacent landowner(s) to manage the situation.

"The Association is taking all necessary steps with the council, landowner (s), local councillors and tenants to deal with the issue.

"Woven HA takes the issue of pest control very seriously and will act quickly where it is aware of an issue.

"In this case, a work order for pest control intervention was made on the same day the issue was reported to the Association."

It also urged any tenant affected or concerned to contact them at Exchange House, 2nd floor, Queens Quay L/Derry BT48 7AS, by calling 028 71360015, or via info@woven.org.uk.

Derry City and Strabane District Council said that the issue has been reported to its Environmental Health team.

A spokesperson added: "While council does not operate a pest control service, our officers have been providing information and advice to householders on pest control and effective ways to deal with unwelcome rodents."

Residents are now hoping that swift action will be taken to finally bring the long-running issue under control.