Mum’s despair at sewage fumes and rat problem

A MUM says she has reached the end of her tether - after putting up with sewage fumes seeping into her house and a rat infestation.

Kami Darwent claimed she had tried to get Charnwood Borough Council to sort the issues at the council property in Queen’s Road, Loughborough, without success.

She lives at the property with her two daughters, aged four and six - one of whom has the autistic spectrum disorder and has been diagnosed with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

She said: “I’ve been complaining about the smell for about two years.”

She claimed council workers had been round to look at the problem and had dropped smoke bombs down a nearby manhole to find out if there were any leaks - and she says this resulted in her house filling with smoke in seconds.

She said the stench was unbearable - and she had also suffered rat problems at the property, with the creatures even being found crawling among her daughters’ toys.

She was also worried that if the repair work finally did take place, she would have to move out of her house for weeks - something her autistic spectrum daughter would not be able to cope with.

A spokesperson for Charnwood Borough Council said: “A Charnwood Borough Council spokesperson said: “Our records show we received a report about an odour at the property in February 2018 which was investigated. The issue was believed to be a problem with rodents which was dealt with.

“We received a new report about an odour on January 24 this year. Our officers investigated and identified there may be an issue with the drains at the property.

“Further investigation is needed which would require part of the floor to be removed. Due to the nature of this work and the length of time it may take, along with any repairs needed, Ms Darwent was offered temporary alternative accommodation on February 5. This offer was declined.

“Therefore we are working with Ms Darwent on finding a solution, including finding an alternative permanent property. We are in regular contact with Ms Darwent.”