May protests at being hit with bill to get rid of mice

Aug 7 2008 by Lesley Brown, Hamilton Advertiser

A DISGUSTED resident called for action – after she discovered mouse droppings all over her kitchen cupboard.

However, May Boslem (75), of 7 St Ninian’s Place, Stonehouse, said she was “shocked” when she was told she would have to pay £42.50 to get pest control officers to deal with the infestation.

Mrs Boslem, who owns her ex-council property, discovered that only council tenants could have the work carried out free of charge.

The OAP said: “I pay my council tax and the infestation has not come about because of something I’ve done, but because other people are letting rubbish pile up in their gardens.

“I would never live in dirty conditions and shouldn’t have to pay because of other people’s bad habits and uncleanliness.

“I’m disgusted to be facing a vermin problem. I think it’s filthy.

“I found mouse droppings before and dealt with the problem with poison.

“However, this problem will just keep resurfacing unless the long-term problem is dealt with.

“The obligation on people to stop their gardens becoming overgrown must be enforced, because with all sorts of rubbish out the back, and grass that is almost fence-height, it is no wonder that vermin are making homes for themselves.”

Neighbour Marjory Burns gave her support to Mrs Boslem, and agreed that the infestations were due to long grass and garbage.

A spokesman for South Lanarkshire Council said: “Housing services have been in contact with the tenant concerned and he has been advised of his responsibility to maintain his garden ground.”

He concluded: “A further inspection has been arranged and if there is no improvement then appropriate action will be taken to enforce this tenancy condition.”