Latest news with #ratinfestation
BBC News
5 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Woman says rats 'ruined everything' in her Launceston home
A woman says she has been driven out of her Cornwall home after an 18-month fight to tackle a rat infestation that has destroyed parts of her house. Merrily Sanders, of Launceston, said the rats had "ruined everything" in her home on Moorland Road, forcing her to move in with her son. She said the rats had gnawed through her garden fence, walls, flooring, bathroom and feels let down by her housing association and said the stress had affected her mental Guinness Partnership apologised and said the condition of the gardens of neighbouring properties had attracted the rats. It said contractors had attended to carry out pest control and further visits had been arranged. It added the neighbouring gardens had also now been cleared, and potential access points to Ms Sanders property had been blocked. Ms Sanders explained there were droppings everywhere, her electricity was tripping and her kitchen completely ruined. She said the infestation had prevented her from having her grandchildren visit and left her feeling like the housing association "don't care" and "don't take it seriously". Ms Sanders says she first reported the issue to the Guinness Partnership a year ago. "I've been on out-of-hours emergency calls but nobody has been out to me, they don't care."She added: "I should not have to live and rely on living in other peoples houses. I want to be safe in my own house." The Guinness Partnership said: "We are sorry Ms Sanders has had problems with rats in her home."We recognise the impact this situation has had on Ms Sanders and did offer her hotel accommodation while the problem was being treated, which she declined."It added: "As some of Ms Sanders' belongings were damaged when the rats were in her home, we have also made a payment to Ms Sanders as a goodwill gesture."It said the situation would be kept under review.
BBC News
21-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Swindon convenience store allowed to reopen after rat infestation
A convenience store, which had been closed by council inspectors due to a rat infestation, has been allowed to reopen after making Borough Council served the 9 O'Clock Shop in Manchester Road, Swindon, with an Emergency Hygiene Prohibition Notice and closed the store on 17 June after deeming that it posed an imminent risk to Magistrates' Court was told on Friday that the business had been visited by food hygiene inspectors after a member of the public reported seeing rats on the inspectors allowed the shop to reopen after carrying out a follow-up visit which showed no evidence of pests and that cleaning had improved. However, the store will maintain its zero food hygiene rating until it can demonstrate further improvements have been the initial inspection, inspectors found holes under the butchery floor which were being used by rats and rat droppings throughout the business. Several gnawed food items were found on shelves which were on display for sale and seven dead rats were discovered in the flat above. Councillor Jim Grant, cabinet member for communities and partnerships, said: "It is important that we highlight cases like this so customers are aware of the problem and to show that we will deal with it to keep them safe."Significant improvements have been made, which is why our officers have allowed the store to reopen, but it is up to the business owner to keep improving standards for customers and to work on improving the zero food hygiene rating."
Daily Mail
05-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
The house I bought is infested with rats - can I take action against the seller?
I bought a new house a few months ago and recently heard a noise in the loft. Upon inspection, I noticed some rat droppings. I asked my neighbours if they'd heard or seen anything to do with this, which they hadn't. However, one did say a previous occupier of my house had asked a similar question to mine. During the sale, I never asked the seller anything with regards to vermin. They never mentioned it on the TA6 form and it didn't come up in the property survey. Can I claim redress against the previous owner for the costs incurred in curing this problem, or is it a case of buyer beware? If I can claim, what would the procedure be? Jane Denton, of This is Money, replies: Estimates about the number of rats across Britain vary, but it is safe to say there are millions of them. Brown rats are common and often found around homes, gardens and in urban areas. They can grow to between 15 to 27 centimetres, with tails nearly as long again. Rodents are prolific breeders and, according to the RSPCA, can produce anything from 15 to 100 young a year. Brown rats breed throughout the year. Sellers are legally obliged to provide accurate information about their property to buyers. Documents like the TA6 form are completed by the seller and designed to give the buyer important information on the property. If the seller provides incorrect or incomplete information, the buyer may, in some cases, be able to make a claim for compensation against the seller, or, if at an earlier stage, refuse to complete the purchase. When completing the TA6 form, sellers aren't expected to have legal or technical knowledge, or knowledge of things that happened before they owned the property. You have said that the seller made no mention of rats during the conveyancing process, yet have now found them in your loft. You did not make pre-contract enquiries about vermin at the property. It is not clear whether the seller knew or didn't know about the rats, and that distinction is significant. I have asked two solicitors for their thoughts on whether or not you are in a position to take action against the seller. James Naylor, a partner at Naylor Solicitors, says: The discovery of droppings in a newly purchased property is concerning. But does the post-completion discovery of vermin give rise to a legal claim? A recent High Court decision provides some guidance. In a 2025 case, the buyers of a £32.5million Notting Hill mansion thought they were getting a palace rather than a lepidopterist's paradise. Post-completion, they discovered a moth infestation. Suspecting the seller had swept the problem under the presumably moth-eaten rug, the buyers scrutinised the seller's responses to pre-contract enquiries. The seller had expressly stated that there were no vermin problems. Therefore, the court decided that the buyers were entitled to rely on the seller's representations and found that the seller had misrepresented material facts. As a result, the buyers were entitled to tear up the contract. While the facts of the moth infestation case are superficially similar, there are important distinctions. In the moths case, the buyers made direct and specific enquiries regarding vermin, and the seller's responses were found to be false considering their actual knowledge. In the present scenario, no such specific enquiry was made regarding vermin, and there is no evidence that the seller's responses to the TA6 property information form were false. Furthermore, in the moths case, the court's decision turned on the seller's actual knowledge of a severe infestation and the false nature of their replies to pre-contractual enquiries. In the current matter, there is no evidence the seller was aware of a rat problem or that they answered falsely. Had a direct question about vermin been posed and the seller denied knowledge, despite being aware, a misrepresentation claim may have been a runner—even if the infestation was not readily apparent. Additionally, in the current scenario, the pre-purchase survey did not identify any evidence of vermin, and there is no suggestion of surveyor failings. The neighbour's recollection of a historic issue is, at best, hearsay and does not necessarily constitute evidence of a current problem or of the seller's knowledge. The moths case serves as a reminder that whilst the courts will not tolerate false or misleading answers, particularly where the seller is aware of a problem, in the absence of a specific enquiry and evidence of false representations—as in the present facts—the principle of 'buyer beware' may indeed likely prevail. And, unless further evidence emerges of the seller's knowledge and dishonesty, a claim for costs is unlikely to have legs. Manjinder Kaur Atwal, director of property law at Duncan Lewis Solicitors, says: Unfortunately, your situation is one that many buyers find themselves in: uncovering an unpleasant issue with a property only after completion, with no obvious recourse. In legal terms, the principle of 'caveat emptor', or buyer beware, applies to most residential property purchases in England and Wales. The onus is generally on the buyer to investigate the condition of the property before agreeing a purchase. However, it is not the end of the story. There are several angles to explore depending on the facts of your case. The TA6 property information form, completed by the seller, asks questions about property's condition, including about the existence of pests or infestations. If the seller answered 'no' to this question and knew that there was or had been a rodent issue in the loft it could amount to misrepresentation. To bring a claim, you would need to show that the seller knew about a rodent infestation and intentionally failed to disclose it, you relied on their misleading when deciding to buy the property and you suffered a financial loss, such as pest control costs or the value of the property. The difficulty lies in proving what the seller knew and when. Neighbours may be able to recollect if any previous occupiers mentioned the issue and could help establish whether the problem is long-standing, although might not necessarily show the most recent seller was aware. If no signs of vermin were mentioned in the survey it would be unlikely you could claim against the surveyor, unless the signs were so obvious that a competent professional should have spotted them. Obviously, rodents can enter a property post-sale, so timing is critical. To pursue a misrepresentation claim, it is best to start by writing a formal letter before action to the seller outlining your complaint and any losses. Then you may wish to seek pre-action disclosure requesting relevant information, such as pest control invoices or communications. If the seller denies knowledge or liability, you could issue a claim in the small claims court, or County Court or High Court for higher sums. The key to success here is providing solid evidence the seller knowingly concealed a vermin problem, which is not easy. Keep your receipts and if you believe, you have evidence the seller knew about the issue, consider speaking to a solicitor. While frustrating, the cost of dealing with rodent problems usually falls to the buyer unless clear misrepresentation can be shown. How to find a new mortgage Borrowers who need a mortgage because their current fixed rate deal is ending, or they are buying a home, should explore their options as soon as possible. Buy-to-let landlords should also act as soon as they can. Quick mortgage finder links with This is Money's partner L&C > Mortgage rates calculator > Find the right mortgage for you What if I need to remortgage? Borrowers should compare rates, speak to a mortgage broker and be prepared to act. Homeowners can lock in to a new deal six to nine months in advance, often with no obligation to take it. Most mortgage deals allow fees to be added to the loan and only be charged when it is taken out. This means borrowers can secure a rate without paying expensive arrangement fees. Keep in mind that by doing this and not clearing the fee on completion, interest will be paid on the fee amount over the entire term of the loan, so this may not be the best option for everyone. What if I am buying a home? Those with home purchases agreed should also aim to secure rates as soon as possible, so they know exactly what their monthly payments will be. Buyers should avoid overstretching and be aware that house prices may fall, as higher mortgage rates limit people's borrowing ability and buying power. What about buy-to-let landlords Buy-to-let landlords with interest-only mortgages will see a greater jump in monthly costs than homeowners on residential mortgages. This makes remortgaging in plenty of time essential and our partner L&C can help with buy-to-let mortgages too. How to compare mortgage costs The best way to compare mortgage costs and find the right deal for you is to speak to a broker. This is Money has a long-standing partnership with fee-free broker L&C, to provide you with fee-free expert mortgage advice. Interested in seeing today's best mortgage rates? Use This is Money and L&Cs best mortgage rates calculator to show deals matching your home value, mortgage size, term and fixed rate needs. If you're ready to find your next mortgage, why not use L&C's online Mortgage Finder. It will search 1,000's of deals from more than 90 different lenders to discover the best deal for you. > Find your best mortgage deal with This is Money and L&C Be aware that rates can change quickly, however, and so if you need a mortgage or want to compare rates, speak to L&C as soon as possible, so they can help you find the right mortgage for you.
BBC News
26-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Fish on the Quay in Maldon pictures show extent of rat mess
Rat droppings were found next to drinks, a pizza oven and inside food packaging at an infested seafood restaurant, the BBC can also discovered smeared rodent faeces along the inner wall of a marquee at Fish on the Quay in Maldon, details emerged after Maldon District Council secured a court order to shut the venue down on restaurant did not respond when approached for comment, but a manager previously vowed to reopen. It was inspected on 13 June after a customer tipped the local authority off about food safety and hygiene concerns.A member of staff "quickly dashed to the kitchen" after spotting two inspectors arrive, documents obtained by the BBC showed. It was believed rats were nesting in sheds used for product storage and entering the kitchen via a gap in the door."Both showed signs of considerable rat activity with numerous droppings noted throughout and damage to food packaging," the report said, referring to the the kitchen, inspectors found a "considerable" number of droppings by a washing up area that stored clean equipment and were found next to condiments, on top of a jar of honey and on a shelf below a pizza oven, as well as in storage space for drinks and glasses. "On top of the fridge was a plastic mesh storage tray with dry foods present," one inspector noted. "As I lifted the tray, fresh rat droppings were falling out and when I removed the tray, rat droppings were present all over the top of the fridge. "In the mesh storage tray I could see a rat dropping inside food packaging."They said it presented an imminent risk to health, branding the state of the kitchen "extremely dangerous and completely unacceptable". The presence of rats at hospitality venues is treated as a health risk due to diseases they can pass to bacteria including salmonella, E. coli and leptospira - which can cause Weil's disease - can be carried by the rodents, which frequently defecate and on the Quay is also home to a pub and a bed and breakfast, both of which are affected by the closure order.A council spokesman said: "We continue to work with the business to support their reopening when the issues have been satisfactorily addressed." Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
The Sun
19-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Historic seafood restaurant seen on Antiques Roadshow and Lovejoy forced to shut down after ‘terrible' rat infestation
AN HISTORIC sea food restaurant has been closed down court action after a rat infestation was discovered in the building. The infestation in the grade II listed building in Maldon, Essex, was discovered by district council hygiene officers. 3 3 Maldon District Council took court action against Fish on the Quay which is located on Church Street. Some parts of the historic building, which is used today as a restaurant, pub and a bed and breakfast, date back to the 15th century. Hygiene officers visited the business after receiving a complaint and discovered a "horrendous" rat infestation. Rodents at the restaurant were reportedly discovered licking tubs of honey and leaving droppings in the kitchen. The infestation was said to be in the venue's kitchen, bar and cellar spaces and posed an 'imminent risk to the public." After visiting on June 13 inspectors photographed rat droppings within the condiments, on top of a fridge in a kitchen storage area, in packaging, and behind a freezer in a storage shed. The business has been closed until inspectors are satisfied that the issue has been addressed, pest control are reportedly on site on a daily basis. Staff at Fish on the Quay, which is owned and operated by The Jolly Sailor Ltd, are working with the council to fix the problem. A manager has vowed to reopen the venue in Hythe Quay, telling the BBC "everything is great." Council leader Richard Siddall said however that "incredibly serious offences" had been identified a the venue. Shocking moment pack of huge RATS swarm popular McDonald's The council took the restaurant to court to apply for a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order which was granted. The order means that the business cannot reopen until health risks are removed. Council officers are reportedly working with staff to ensure the safety of visitors and neighbours following the discovery of the rodent infestation. According to Sidall an "imminent risk to public health" had been identified. The rat infestation on the premises was identified as ongoing and extensive. Fish on the Quay has won several awards including a Diners' Choice award from OpenTable in 2022. 3 It also appeared on TV several times most notably when an episode of Lovejoy was filmed there in January 1992. It has also appeared on Lawless heart in 2001 and The Antiques Road show in 2007. The historic building was once a Customs house keeping an eye on boats going back and fourth up the River Blackwater. Currently there is a sign outside the historic building reading: "We are closed! Sorry for the inconvenience." Cllr Richard Siddall, Leader of Maldon District Council, said; 'Our officers took swift action against this business as soon as it became clear there was an imminent risk to public health. 'It is absolutely vital that food businesses are kept clean and in good repair in line with stringent food safety legislation. "A failure to do so could potentially result in terrible consequences for the public and we will always take action against any owners not abiding by these laws. 'Whilst these are incredibly serious offences, we will work with the operator to improve the standards of cleanliness and make sure that they comply food safety standards before they reopen.'
