Dave Capocci’s plea to be rehomed after living with bedbugs in … – Daily Echo

A SOUTHAMPTON man is asking to be rehoused after living with bedbugs for three years.

Dave Capocci says his housing association has failed to get rid of the pests despite having fumigated the block of four flats three times since 2014.

Now he is asking to move after what he says is a lack of action from Radian, who own the block in Cranbury Terrace.

The former musician and decorator - who had to give up work 20 years ago due to a back injury - has had to get rid of two sofas and now sleeps in an armchair in a bid to avoid the critters.

He says his hands are scarred after countless bites and sores from the infestations of pests, which have left him unable to socialise.

Mr Capocci - who has lived in the one-bed flat for the last 17 years - said the problem has added to his depression and stopped him from going back to work.

The 54-year-old said: Im on limited funds so Ive just had to take off the arms and back of the sofa to get rid of the bugs. Ive replaced scraps of carpet where I needed to, but Im living in one room to try and stop the bugs spreading.

I cant have anyone come to my house - Ive had to tell everyone they cant come to visit so Im not feeling great.

But Mr Capocci - who pays rent of around 107 a week including service charge - claims another tenant in the block is refusing Radian access to his flat.

He said: How can they fumigate the block if they cant get access? Ive asked to be moved but so far nothing has happened. You pay rent but you get nothing in return.

Bevois ward councillor Derek Burke said: We are asking his GP to write him a letter which should help in getting him rehoused. If its an access issue its difficult to treat the whole problem. We are also looking at getting him rehoused in a council bedsit - either that or moved to a different Radian flat, whichever is quicker.

A spokesperson for Radian said: We are aware there is an issue with bed bugs at Cranbury Terrace in Southampton and we continue to work closely with the residents of affected properties to manage the treatment plan for their homes. Unfortunately the bed bugs are an ongoing issue that we have been treating for many months, however we will continue to liaise with a local pest control organisation to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.

As part of our work to effectively manage the issue of bed bugs, we are strongly recommending to all our residents that they allow entry to their homes for the fumigation work to take place.

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Dave Capocci's plea to be rehomed after living with bedbugs in ... - Daily Echo