A DISGUSTED Port woman says her home is plagued by rats and she has caught no fewer than five of them in the last four months.

Isobel McNeice even found a rodent in her kitchen in Kelburn Terrace on Christmas Day and has set traps to catch the creatures.

She says that her landlords, River Clyde Homes, are not doing enough to help her.

Isobel told the Tele how rats gnawed a hole into the wall behind her tumble dryer and are ‘running about’ under her bath.

Isobel, 43, said: “I’ve had this problem since October and even found one on Christmas morning.

“I heard it banging off the tumble dryer when the trap triggered. The dog alerts me something is there and I see them under the bath.”

Pest control officials have left poison at her flat but it hasn’t got rid of the pests and Isobel caught another rat last Tuesday.

Isobel said: “I heard it scratching during the night, pulled out the tumble dryer and it was there in the trap, quite a big one.

“It’s a health hazard – these things spread diseases. I shouldn’t have to live like this in this day and age.

“It’s disgusting. I don’t even like cooking in the kitchen, it’s a nightmare. I’m not sleeping and I’m sick of living like this.”

Her biggest concern is the welfare of her son Robbie, 16, a pupil at Craigmarloch School who has ADHD and learning difficulties, and has to help his mum get rid of the rats.

She said: “My son disposes of them and puts them in the bin. 

“I’m worried about my son, you don’t know what this is doing to him as he doesn’t say that much.

Isobel says her neighbours have been similarly affected and she believes that pest control teams need to get underneath the houses.

Isobel, who is a member of the Kelburn Tenants’ and Residents’ Association said: “Other people have rats in their homes but they are too embarrassed to report it.”

Port councillor David Wilson, who has been contacted by Isobel, said:

“I’ve been in touch with River Clyde Homes about this.

“There’s a problem at the end of Kelburn Terrace and River Clyde Homes have failed to get rid of the rats.

“Pest control need to do a better job. It shouldn’t be left to one of my constituents to be killing rats on a daily basis.”

Bosses at the housing association now say they have to make arrangements to move Isobel out of her home.

Julie Allison, a service improvement manager at River Clyde Homes, said:

“We are aware of the recent problems in the area and understand the 
distress that this situation is causing Miss McNeice. 

“We have responded quickly to all reports of vermin and continue to regularly inspect the Kelburn neighbourhood in partnership with the local community. 

“Our specialist contractors have attended on a number of occasions and made concerted efforts to eradicate the vermin.

“We continue to liaise with them to monitor and investigate this ongoing problem.

“Following this latest re-occurrence our maintenance team is exploring alternative options to prevent vermin from entering the property.

“We visited Miss McNeice to discuss our ongoing efforts to solve this problem to her satisfaction. 

“We are currently in discussion with Miss McNeice to consider the best option to alleviate her situation.

“This may include a move to temporary or permanent accommodation, whatever best meets her needs.”