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Residents of Church Court in Strabane, County Tyrone, have been grappling with a persistent rat infestation for nearly two years, describing their experience as “absolute hell.” Many claim the issue remains unresolved despite numerous reports and interventions. Woven Housing, which owns the properties, acknowledges an ongoing but intermittent rodent problem in the area and states it is taking pest control seriously.
Local residents, including Clare Earley, have recounted the significant impact the rats have had on their homes and daily lives. Earley shared that the rodents attempted to chew through her back door, necessitating its replacement, and expressed concern for her five children’s safety, saying she can no longer allow them to play outside. Other residents report similar difficulties, noting damage to garden furniture, bins, and even a car engine. One homeowner described the fear and frustration of not being able to open windows due to rats frequently scurrying around their back gardens.
There are suspicions among the community that rats are accessing their properties through gaps in a stone wall adjoining a nearby work yard, although the yard’s owner declined to comment on the situation. The Derry City and Strabane District Council’s environmental health team has been informed but made clear that they do not provide a pest control service. Instead, they offer guidance and advice to residents on managing the rodent problem. Despite pest control visits and continued complaints, residents feel the efforts have failed to produce a lasting solution.
Several individuals, including Claire Mullen and Charlene Mongan, have spoken about the negative impact on their families and belongings. Mullen revealed that her children’s fear of going outside has increased due to the rats, while Mongan described how children’s bikes and toys have been destroyed and shared an incident where a rat chewed through her car wires, leading to costly repairs. Mongan called for Woven Housing to implement a permanent fix, stating, “There are nine houses here, and every one of them has seen rats in the area, and we don’t see an end in sight.” In response, Woven Housing confirmed active collaboration with the local council and landowners to address the problem and urged tenants to report any concerns promptly
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