Residents of the Dodson and Amigo estate in Southwark, south London, say their lives are being "ripped apart" by a rat and mouse infestation that has persisted since at least May. They claim the local council has failed to address the problem, leaving them to endure constant scurrying in walls and communal areas.
Jacquie Gilmartin, a 63-year-old cancer survivor who has lived on the estate her entire life, said she cannot enter her kitchen after 7pm or in the morning until someone has checked for vermin. She reported the issue in May but believes the council was aware earlier. "The rats and mice are all in the cavities and they're in the walls," she said.
Another resident, George Dagan, who has lived there for 18 years, said the infestation has worsened his mental health. He described himself as extremely vulnerable with complex mental health issues and said the threat of demolition and sharing his home with rodents had taken a severe toll. He accused the council of prioritising developers and profit over residents.
Amanda Davies, a resident of 25 years, reported living with mice and rats for six months, with two reports ignored by Southwark council. She said her mental health and asthma have deteriorated, and she has faced financial difficulties replacing contaminated food and clothing. Photographs show rodents decomposing in grass across the estate.
Residents have also protested against proposed redevelopment plans, which would reportedly demolish eight homes and replace them with eleven. Many have refused to fill out housing needs forms, citing a lack of planning permission. MyLondon has contacted Southwark council for comment.
