‘They can hear them in the walls’ – Fearnhead residents have been faced with an infestation of rats during the Christmas period.

A set of apartments on Insall Road became pest-ridden, with the first sighting of rats being reported by the flat’s occupants before Christmas.

Owners of the apartments which are situated above David Pluck Bookmakers, Muir Group Housing Association, were contacted by residents about the various sightings of rats within the properties.

David Ball, a family member of a resident who lives at the Fearnhead Cross flats, said the housing group had bait boxes installed on the outside of the properties in an attempt to resolve the issue.

And had promised the residents they would return to review the situation in the New Year.

“Since then, the situation has deteriorated, they have had no internet on several occasions, the wires have been eaten through.

“Residents have complained they can hear them in the walls,” he said.

Mr Ball, whose stepson lives in the accommodation in question, stated that one resident called the emergency line for the housing group and an individual came to inspect a loft in one of the apartments.

“They immediately put it back down and confirmed it was infested with several rats,” he added.

Expressing his disapproval with the way the issue has been handle by Muir Housing, David highlighted that he contacted them this week and was told they ‘couldn’t guarantee me a response’.

“In 2024 no person should have to endure these conditions and it needs to be brought to the attention of the general public,” Mr Ball stated.

A Muir Group Housing Association spokesperson commented on the ongoing issue, saying: “We understand the concerns of residents and continue working with our pest control partner to resolve this situation, while also exploring opportunities with Warrington Borough Council to improve waste management at Fearnhead Cross.

“Our pest control partner has visited Fearnhead Cross both before and after the Christmas period as we maintain efforts to ensure residents can continue living without concern, while keeping them updated.

“We also arranged an additional refuse collection at Fearnhead Cross to minimise any impact and help residents during this time.”