A Lenton family are ‘unable to use their garden’ due to a rat infestation which they say is caused by rotting fruit and waste in a neighbouring garden.
Shazad Naheem, who lives with his wife, 18-month-old son and 80-year-old mum on Teversal Avenue, told Nottinghamshire Live they have been dealing with the problem for over a year.
“[Next door’s] garden is chock full of rubbish, it’s not been cleared in numerous years,” said the 41-year-old civil servant.
“There’s a rotting plum tree in the garden which is attracting rats. They have been there for god knows how long attracting rats, which are coming and going. I’m a smoker. I go out into my garden four or five times a day and I’ll see rats twice.”
He said overgrown foliage is also adding to the issues, claiming that he and his family are “unable to use the garden”.
“My mum and wife won’t go into the garden anymore and I can’t take my son there,” Mr Naheem continued.
“I can’t walk to the garden through our alleyway because the garden is chock full of rubbish and there’s overgrown bushes.
“With the smell as well, we’ve had to stop using the back of our house. We have to keep our windows closed.”
Mr Naheem said the owners of the student house next door, Tomlinson Estates, are failing to tackle the problem.
He also added he had tried in vain to seek Nottingham City Council’s help, claiming the community protection officer was “as useful as a chocolate teapot”.
“The letting agents just aren’t doing anything, it’s not a matter of urgency for them,” he added.
Tomlinson Estates and Nottingham City Council have been approached for comment.
To read all the biggest and best stories first sign up to read our newsletters here.
