Fury as disabled woman’s Larkhall home is overrun with rats and flies

Sep 22 2011 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

THE father of a severely disabled woman hit out this week – after her privately rented home became over-run with an infestation of rats and flies.

Hugh Craig says his daughter Anne is living in a “slum flat” in John Street, Larkhall.

Now he is calling on the council to rehome her.

Anne (45), has severe learning difficulties and other illnesses.

Her dad says living in these “hellhole” conditions is making her health worse.

South Lanarkshire Council are paying £300 housing benefit to a private landlord for Anne to live in the flat.

But a council spokesman said there is not alternative accommodation available at present which would suit Anne’s needs. The spokesman added the council are doing all they can to remove the infestations.

Hugh (70), said: “It is a slum property.

“It has been infested by rats and blue bottles.

“The dead rats were coming from the floor boards and then it seemed the source of where the blue bottles are coming too.

“There are dozens of dead blue bottles lying all over Anne’s bed.

“I have to get a dustpan and brush and sweep all the dead blue bottles from the window.”

The council spokesman added: “Ms Craig’s specifications for new accommodation are very specific as to where she would need to live. Unfortunately, there is nothing currently available that meets her criteria. We did make an offer of alternative accommodation last Tuesday, but this was turned down.

“In the meantime, environmental services are working closely with the family to remove the infestation.”