Pest control officers have told a 60-year-old homeowner in Wales that they cannot stop rats invading her garden because of the neighbour’s mountains of rubbish.
Wales Online reported that Glynis Sheard is one of a number of people living in Wildmill, Bridgend, in a state of frustration, wondering what is going to be done to improve the situation at a house there.
The occupant has so many items in the grounds of their property, including mounds of metal and wood, that neighbours claim it has brought the rodents to the area.
They want the council to take action and provide support, after claiming it is affecting their quality of life.
Ms Sheard said: “I bought this house four years ago, and wasn’t aware of how bad the situation next door was, or how long it had gone on for.
“We’ve had pest control out to deal with rats in our garden but they said we’re fighting a losing battle because of the hoarding next-door – we now feel there’s nothing we can do about it.”
Ms Sheard said she believes the issue has been gradually getting worse over the years.
She added: “The house next to us is in a terrible state, and I’ve contacted everyone I can think of but it now feels like I’m going round in circles.
“There is mess at the front, back and side of the property and it looks horrible – people actually slow down in their cars when passing the area, and we are all really disappointed as a community.”