Rat Problem on Llandudno Estate Resolved, Says North Wales Housing Association

A North Wales housing association says a rat problem on a Llandudno estate has been dealt with.
Cartrefi Conwy residents complained of regularly spotting rats on the Tre Creuddyn housing estate opposite the rugby fields on Maesdu Road.
After several sightings of rodents in attics and even living rooms on the housing estate,  Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders complained on the residents’ behalf.
But Cartrefi Conwy’a managing director Katie Clubb said the problem has been solved.
“We have responded quickly to residents’ concerns to get the matter dealt with properly and effectively, and I am glad to say that issue was resolved by the middle of November,” she said.
“Ensuring our tenants have a safe and comfortable living environment is always our paramount concern, and we will continue to monitor the situation.”
She added, “In the meantime, we are updating Janet Finch Saunders to reassure her that the issue has been dealt with.”
Conwy County Council states on its website that it no longer operates a pest control service, instead insisting residents should contact a private company.
But Mrs Finch-Saunders says she has requested that council officers investigate the health and safety issue, suggesting Conwy provide skips on the estate.
Rats are known to carry several viruses and bacteria that can be potentially harmful to humans, including cryptosporidiosis, hantavirus, listeria, toxoplasma gondii, and Weil’s disease.
Commenting after writing to both Conwy and Cartrefi Conwy, Mrs Finch-Saunders said, “I have had several residents approach me raising concerns that there appears to be an infestation of rats at the Tre Creuddyn estate.
“The problem seems to be far wider than a few properties, so even if private households were to arrange for a private company to tackle the vermin in their homes, there would likely still be a problem.
“In fact, I know of constituents who have paid for pest control services but had rats subsequently return! An estate-wide approach is required so to help protect public health.”
Fellow Conservative and Llandudno councillor Thomas Montgomery blamed fly-tipping and the council’s approach to waste collection.
“Since my election as a county councillor, the issue of waste management and fly-tipping has been an ongoing concern for my residents,” he said.
“This issue has been compounded by this council administration increasing charges for its bulky waste service, reducing the affordability of the service for low income households across our community.
“It is clear that we need to re-think our approach to waste management to ensure that residents are enabled and empowered to dispose of their larger items and general waste in a responsible, accessible, and an affordable way.”
Conwy County Council were contacted for a comment.

By Richard Evans – Local Democracy Reporter