RESIDENTS on a block of flats in Southampton have spoken out after nearly three years of constant bed bug problems.
Those who live at Ventnor Court in Swaythling have stated that they have had the insect problem for two to three years.
Now some have said that they are angry as they are being asked to pay the bill for the constant cleaning and treatment of their homes despite saying they shouldn’t get out of their homes and they shouldn’t pay them.
The complex, which includes two separate buildings, is run by Southampton City Council and one resident, Silvia Colwill, said she refused to pay the money each time because the bugs were coming from other people’s homes.
The 74-year-old said: “I had to change my bed twice, my sofa three times, I took up all the floor in my apartment and laid other floors, but they keep coming back.
“Every three months your back and the council don’t seem to worry about that at all.
“Everyone who has them should pay for their treatment, but why should they? Floor all the time and it costs me a fortune. ”
Silvia has lived in her apartment for almost six years and said it was “a nice place to live” when she moved in, but now describes it as “hell”.
Ventnor Court. Photo by: Google Maps.
She has asked to move in the past but claimed that the council refused to move her because she was “adequately housed”.
Now residents are again expecting their homes to be treated to get rid of the bed bugs, but say they waited almost a month.
The most common cause of bud bugs is believed to be journeys where they are transported to properties with people, clothing, luggage, or personal belongings.
They feed on the blood of animals or humans and tend to feed at night.
Alderman Fitzhenry, Chairman of the Southampton City Council, said: “We are aware of the ongoing issues at Ventnor Court and have worked with the pest control team to address them.
“Surveys were carried out in the affected properties and treatments were carried out if necessary. We have also worked with appropriate agencies to provide the tenants with additional support on these issues.
“Tenants may be asked to pay for treatments, but this will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and the individual circumstances of the tenants and the causes associated with infestation problems will be taken into account.”
But now some residents say they are “anxious and depressed” because of the situation.
