Cockroaches and rats getting into woman’s home from council flat next door
Cockroaches and rats are getting into a woman’s house from a council flat next door despite complaints to clear it up.
Sheila Simpson, 59, from Springall Street in Peckham, lives next door to the council house, which is split into two flats.
Ms Simpson said the mess that has been left has caused a stench, cockroaches, flies and rats to move into her own house through the connecting wall.
Ms Simpson said: “One time my neighbour couldn’t even get up the stairs to his flat.
“At one time there were swarms of flies all over the garden coming from the drains. It was disgusting.”
Ms Simpson claims the garden has also been left to overgrow for five years, which she says is affecting both sides of the property.
Southwark council, who manage the property, were unable to confirm why the property had been left to deteriorate.
Ms Simpson said she brought a cat just to deal with the rats coming from the empty flat into her property from the connecting wall. She also said the only spray that can cover the smell costs her £95.
She said: “Why do I have to endure living here? I have my own property with a fully paid mortgage and I am living in these conditions.
“This is a lovely quiet road and the only property that looks in a shambles is the council house.”
Mr Campbell, who lives in the flat above, has described his living condition as “an absolute nightmare.”
Mr Campbell said: “The smell generated is unbearable and has made it impossible for me to receive visitors here.
“For over a year I have dealt with countless fleas coming out of the property and into the communal hallway that we share.
“The council has been absolutely useless. The situation here has been nothing short of disgraceful and despite numerous promises from the council no meaningful action has been taken.”
Southwark council were approached for comment but said they would not be able to.
Pictured top: From left, Sheila Simpson outside the flat and a fox on piles of rubbish in the overgrown garden of the derelict flat (Picture:Mr Campbell)
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