Residents of a housing estate in Chelsea, one of London's most affluent areas, have described their home as 'rat city' after enduring a vermin infestation for over a decade. The Guinness Trust Buildings on Cadogan Street, surrounded by expensive real estate in Belgravia and Knightsbridge, have seen rat burrows up to eight inches wide appear on the grounds.
Charlotte De Christi, 64, who has lived on the estate for 20 years, said the problem causes 'fear and stress'. She and fellow resident Iris Rugg, 76, believe earlier measures by the Guinness Trust to line drains and set traps have not provided a lasting solution. 'We thought it had been dealt with but now we find it's back,' Ms De Christi told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Ms Rugg expressed concern about the rats burrowing under paving blocks, warning they could gnaw through materials and pose a health risk. 'They're vermin and if you get bitten you could be in serious trouble,' she said. Residents reported that fresh holes have appeared even after the housing association recently filled some with soil.
Paul Myers, another resident, accused the Guinness Trust of 'not doing much to help' and called for more frequent trap checks. The trust's spokesperson acknowledged that rats are common in urban areas and said a pest control programme is in place, but added that 'pests can return, and measures are therefore ongoing'. Kensington and Chelsea Council declined to comment.
