Woman ‘too scared to eat’ in ‘revolting’ council flat riddled with ‘cockroaches, dead rats and bedbugs’ – My London

An East London woman claims she is trapped in a revolting council flat riddled with cockroaches, bedbugs and rats. Ninette Osei Wilson from Hackney was placed in the flat in 2019 as temporary council accommodation - now, over three years later, the council has yet to place her somewhere more suitable.

Ninette, 35, said she is concerned for both her physical and mental health . The pest issues in the flat have affected her appetite and she says she does not feel safe to eat solid food when in the flat, and has been prescribed a meal replacement by her GP as a result.

She claims her flat is swarming with Brazilian cockroaches and said her bedding has been riddled with bedbugs. She also says she has found dead rats in the block.

READ MORE: Disabled woman 'cries non-stop' after being 'kicked out' of Walthamstow council flat shes lived in for 25 years 'with only 3 days' notice'

Its unfit for anyone to be housed here, Ninette told MyLondon . Just this morning, I went to the toilet in the early hours. There was a cockroach there, and then when I walked back to bed I could see them all crawling around on the floor. There are cupboards I dont open anymore because thats their breeding ground.

According to Ninette, the issues have been reported to Hackney Council a number of times, but they have yet to control the pest issue.

I think it's inhumane that they are able to house humans in these conditions and then forget about them, Ninette said. What is the responsibility of the council here? I dont see anything that pertains to duty of care. Thats what has a severe impact on my mental health .

She added: Im confident on my own, independent, but its really brought home the need for strong relationships with others in these kinds of situations. The main thing that's affected is my ability to socialise. I feel isolated.

Ninette wants to be moved away from the block to permanent council accommodation . To do this, she said the council must accept that current accommodation is unfit for purpose.

Ive been pushing for a housing review, I've had a little more support the second time around, she said. Through a housing review, it could be that they could offer me a property if theyre willing to admit my space is unfit for purpose. Its not even just about me really, although I have to remember myself. There are more vulnerable people in this building who are living here with children and being exposed to these conditions.

This week, Ninette claims Hackney Council offered to move her into a different room in the same block, though she claims the pest issues exist throughout the flats. She said the council also offered to move her to another temporary accommodation hostel, though she does not believe this is suitable after waiting so long for a permanent home.

"After three years of waiting for a home, I'm not prepared to accept more mediocrity," she said.

The East End is one of the beating hearts of the capital so here at MyLondon, we're doing our very best to make sure you get the latest news, reviews and features from your area.

Now there's a way you can keep up to date with the areas that matter to you with our free email newsletter.

The East London newsletter goes out twice day and sends you the latest stories straight to your inbox.

From Barking to Bow, Canning Town to Canary Wharf, we'll make sure you get the very best every day.

To sign up to the East London newsletter, simply follow this link and select the newsletter that's right for you.

And to really customise your news experience on the go, you can download our top-rated free apps for iPhone and Android. Find out more here.

A spokesperson from Hackney Council told MyLondon : Were very sorry about the issues this resident is experiencing and work hard to ensure a good standard of housing for our residents in temporary accommodation. Our new budget includes 500,000 investment in improved temporary accommodation for those who come to us in need of a home.

We are taking the issues this resident has experienced very seriously and have worked with the landlord and property manager to make sure they are resolved. The initial pest control contractor appointed was unable to resolve the issue successfully and a new contractor was found who has now taken effective action. We will continue to monitor the situation and ensure that the landlord takes further action if needed.

"Sadly, over a decade of austerity and the governments continued failure to tackle the root causes of the housing crisis mean we cannot provide permanent social housing to everyone who needs one but we will continue to support this resident to find a suitable, permanent place to call home.

The rooms in Metropolitan Hostel are contracted to Hackney Council via property agent Finefair Ltd. MyLondon contacted Finefair Ltd for a comment.

Do you have a story you think we should be covering? Email sylvie.wilkinson@reachplc.com

For all the latest London news delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter here

See the original post:
Woman 'too scared to eat' in 'revolting' council flat riddled with 'cockroaches, dead rats and bedbugs' - My London