No rats money says Executive

No rats money says Executive

27 June 2012 - by BY DAVID TELFORD

A KILCLIEF woman has criticised Housing Executive officials for not paying her compensation after her roofspace became overrun with rats last year.

Adele Kearney was seeking £2,000 for damage to Christmas presents and her belongings caused by the rodents at her Whinney Park home.

Ms. Kearney discovered the rats last November and claimed that while Executive officials responded to her calls for help, none of the staff it sent to her home would venture into the roofspace.

Pest control officials visited Ms. Kearney last December and confirmed there was more than one rat in her home.

“I could hear the rats running up boxed pipes in my bedroom. It was awful and it was obvious to me that there was more than just one of them,” she explained.

“A lot of things I had in the roofspace including Christmas presents and insulation had to be thrown out after the rats got at them. Clothes I had up there also had to be discarded. The problem was so bad I had to move out of my home for five weeks.”

Ms. Kearney, who said the rats issue was subsequently addressed, said she was informed by local Housing Executive staff six months ago that she was entitled to compensation which has never been paid.

“I have had countless meetings with Executive officials and am disgusted with their attitude. I filled in a claim form as I was advised to do but have not received a single penny. I have had enough. I pay my rent on time and believe I am entitled to compensation,” she declared.

Ms. Kearney added: “I care for a sick daughter and am deeply disappointed with the Executive’s attitude towards me and disgusted by this entire affair.”

A Housing Executive spokeswoman said the organisation is very sympathetic to Ms Kearney’s situation. She explained it took a number of attempts to eradicate the rodent problem at the property, with the Executive liaising with Down Council’s Environmental Health Department.

The spokeswoman continued: “The Executive set traps within the roofspace of the property, checked the external hedges as well as neighbouring properties.

“Part of the works involved opening and closing possible entrance/exit points for the rodents and this caused damage to Ms. Kearney’s decoration.

“The Executive subsequently approved a redecoration grant for a livingroom, main bedroom, second bedroom, kitchen and bathroom.”

The spokeswoman confirmed that last December, Ms. Kearney submitted a public liability claim for damage to personal belongings to the value of £2,000.

“The claim was investigated and there was found to be no negligence on the part of the Housing Executive on the grounds that we had acted promptly and had taken all actions possible to resolve the issue,” the spokeswoman continued. “The claim has also been reviewed and again and it was deemed there was no negligence on behalf of the Housing Executive.”