A resident has expressed her deep frustration over a severe rat infestation in her neighborhood, describing the situation as "disgusting" and beyond tolerable limits. This 27-year-old woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, has spent nearly her entire life in the area surrounding Laycock Street and Orwell Street in Middlesbrough and states that the current state of the rat problem is the worst she has ever witnessed.
Living in a property managed by North Star housing association, she has reportedly contacted them multiple times regarding this alarming issue. In response, North Star emphasized that they take such reports very seriously, underscoring their commitment to ensuring that tenants feel secure and comfortable in their homes. Furthermore, Middlesbrough Council has pointed out that unsecured waste is significantly contributing to the rodent troubles in the community.
The resident stated, "These streets have always been quite rough, but this is just beyond a joke." She described the back alley between the streets as being littered with rat droppings and permeated by a strong odor of rat urine.
"You shouldn’t have to live in an area where you’re constantly worried that a rat might jump out at you or something. It’s absolutely horrible," she lamented.
She mentioned that new communal bins were supposed to deter rats, yet they seem ineffective because unlike the previous bins, the new ones lack proper drainage holes, leading to situations where rats get trapped inside. Additionally, she pointed out that many residents leave the bin lids ajar, suggesting that local community members need to take some responsibility in addressing this issue.
A spokesperson for Middlesbrough Council commented, "Any unsecured waste left outside properties or in alleyways is a major factor contributing to rodent problems. We encourage both residents and businesses to help maintain their neighborhoods by securing waste and disposing of it properly."
Carole Richardson, who serves as the executive director of customers at North Star, explained, "When we receive any concerns, we respond promptly and collaborate closely with the local council to ensure proper investigation and resolution. We offer a free pest control service provided through Middlesbrough Council and follow up on any recommendations made after inspections. When necessary, we will arrange for inspections, implement preventive measures whenever possible, and assist tenants affected by these issues."
However, the resident also highlighted a significant gap in assistance, noting that homeowners often find themselves without support from the council, stating, "the council won’t help those who own their properties, and many people simply don’t have the funds to address this problem on their own."
Last year, the council expanded its pest control team from one member to four, and according to reports from the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the proposed budget for 2026/27 allocates over £150,000 towards a complimentary pest control service.
Are you concerned about similar issues in your neighborhood? What do you think can be done to improve the situation? We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
