THE leading councillor responsible for Thurrock Council's housing services has apologised to a family forced out of their council home because of an infestation of rats.

Last week Thurrock Nub News reported on the plight of a Purfleet family driven from their home on Chieftain Drive after rats were found running over a four-year-old's bed.

The property is the home of Lisa Clark, who shares it with her daughter and granddaughter.

Their lives changed almost overnight with the discovery of the intrusive rodents who have been entering via a hole near a downstairs toilet. Ms Clark first tried to combat the rats with traps and poison, but the problem was overwhelming – and she says the situation was not helped by Thurrock Council's inability to get to grips with the issue quickly.

Now the council has acknowledged it could have done more.

Cllr Robert Willoughby, cabinet member for Adult Health and Housing Services, says: "We are very sorry for the stress and disruption that this situation has caused the family, and we recognise the particular challenges faced by a household with identified vulnerabilities and support needs.

"We continue to work closely with the family to resolve the infestation and provide support whilst that work is ongoing.

"As soon as the resident informed us of the problem, our housing team offered temporary accommodation. However, at the time, the family preferred to stay with family and friends."

Ms Clark disputes that, saying it was some days before the offer of hotel accommodation was forthcoming, and believes that for too long they have been left without positive help or advice.

However, that should now be forthcoming.

Cllr Willoughby adds: "A multi-agency response involving Housing, Repairs and Pest Control services is underway.

"Our contractor continues to treat the infestation using recognised pest control methods, including baiting, proofing works and further inspections, and a deep clean of the property will be undertaken once the infestation has been eradicated.

"The council has commissioned a CCTV survey of the drainage system to help identify any underlying causes of the infestation, together with a wider survey of the surrounding area. In addition, routine baiting around the block is being reinstated as a precautionary measure whilst investigations continue.

"Although a range of actions has now been put in place, we recognise concerns that have been raised regarding the response to the case. We are reviewing our processes to ensure serious infestations affecting vulnerable residents are identified, escalated and managed as emergency cases at the earliest opportunity.

"Our priority remains resolving the infestation, supporting the family and identifying any underlying environmental or structural factors that may be contributing to the problem.

"The family are eager to stay in the area, and we have identified and are offering a temporary housing solution in Purfleet until the issue is resolved and the deep clean has taken place."