Residents delighted as rat infestation cleared in Whitehaven

In recent months residents had grown concerned about a rat infestation affecting a block of flats on Peter Street, in Whitehaven. 

It was reported that rats were getting inside bins, and, in some cases, were getting inside of flats. 

Cumberland Council and Home Group were contacted to provide support to residents and attempt to tackle the issue. 

The space were the rats were nesting (Image: Newsquest)

The issue has now been resolved and thanks to intervention from the two organisations, rats are reportedly no longer causing problems for those living in the area. 

READ MORE: Residents terrorised by rats at Peter Street, Whitehaven

One resident said: "I'm very happy with the results of the council and Home Group's work. 

"It seems that the media attention on the issue encouraged the authorities to take action. 

"The fences around the buildings have been transformed and an area where the rats were nesting has now been cleared. 

"Poison has been put down in places where it was safe to do so and people living in the flats have been given new bins. 

A new fence has been installed (Image: Newsquest)

"It's made life a lot easier for us residents and we no longer have to worry about seeing rats when we go to the bins. 

"We were tortured by the rats for over a year and it's such a relief to get rid of them."

READ MORE: Residents unnerved by ongoing rat infestation in Whitehaven

A spokesperson for Cumberland Council said: “We are delighted with the progress made in partnership with the Housing Association and residents.

"This has been a complex situation, but thanks to the residents’ ongoing communication and collaboration, we were able to address the issues effectively and promptly.

“We thank the residents for their understanding and patience throughout this process. Their cooperation has been invaluable in resolving the matter and ensuring a positive outcome for the community.”

New bins given to residents (Image: Newsquest) Lisa Russell, director of operations for the North West at Home Group, said: “We are delighted that the work we have done to resolve the issue on Peter Street has had the desired effect.

“We are always driven to resolve issues as quickly and effectively as possible.  And with the support of our customers and the council we have done that.”