Residents at Crystal Court in Hackney, east London, have described their housing block as a 'Victorian Britain hellhole slum' after a rat infestation forced some families to move out. Shocking footage shows dozens of rodents scurrying through bins, doorways and halls, with the vermin reportedly entering at least 12 flats.
Samantha, a resident of ten years, told LBC: 'You can hear them squealing, you can hear them running, you can hear them scratching. When they run across the ceiling, it sounds like there are 10 of them.' Another tenant, who pays over £900 a month, said the infestation has affected her mental health: 'I haven't had a full night's sleep in over a year.'
Destin Domokundi, who has lived there since 2012, said the problem has persisted for four years despite repeated complaints to housing association Notting Hill Genesis. 'People have been scared to go into the bin room,' he said. Pauline Aldred, 46, described the situation as 'like a horror movie' and admitted she 'cries herself to sleep'.
Notting Hill Genesis apologised and said household waste in communal areas has been cleared, with pest control work carried out at Crystal Court and neighbouring commercial units. The association added that further works to the bin store are underway and asked residents to take extra care when disposing of waste.
