THURROCK Council health teams sprang into actuion this week to combat an infestation of fleas at a borough sheltered housing complex.

It took two efforts to beat back the bugs which were found in numbers at O'Donoghue House in Stanford-le-Hope

Cllr Mark Hooper, cabinet member for Health and Well-being, said: "There has been an issue with fleas at O'Donoghue House, Stanford-le-Hope, and the areas affected are being treated to remove them.

"The first treatment took place last week and, following the very hot weather we have been experiencing recently, a second treatment took place on Monday 12 August.

"There has been no need for any residents to move out.

"We have written to residents to explain the situation and what has taken place to get rid of the fleas.

"Officers will also meet with residents so they can speak with the pest controllers about what has happened and how their flea treatment process works."

Despite Cllr Hooper's statement residents remain concerned and have described the situation at the complex as 'disgraceful' and the council response as delayed and inefficient.

It has also been suggested that the infestaion has been spread by movement of carers between homes.

One resident said it has been a major disturbance to their lives, saying: " If the infestation had of been taken care of in the first place the fleas would not have spread so far.

"We have bed ridden people with flats full of fleas as the carers are taking them into their flats.

"The council are now spraying the whole complex but the situation is disgraceful."