Putney flat of disabled Simon, 70, is invaded by bedbugs

A 70-year-old disabled man claims he is being “bitten up” by bedbugs in his mould-ridden council flat.

Colin Barnes has lived in his Putney flat for almost 18 years and says he has been “invaded” by bedbugs and black mould over the last year.

Colin said: “I got invaded some time back with some nasty little bugs, I don’t know how they got here.”

The 70-year-old said: “I got in touch with pest control but because Christmas is on top of us, we’re going to have to get that sorted after Christmas.

“It’s not very nice but what can you do?”

Pest control allegedly said it would have to remove all Colin’s furniture in order to get rid of the bedbugs but Colin said: “I’ve got nowhere else to put my things, it’s a very small place. I’m not very happy.”

Colin is on the first floor but said there is no lift, despite his disability.

He said: “I just want to get back to normal.”

Wandsworth council has not responded to a request for a comment at the time of going to press.

Pictured: Colin Barnes. Credit Andrea Gilbert