Mum plans to 'move family into tent' as vermin plague council flat

Natalie Hewson, 34, has endured months of problems with rodents at the property, claiming to have found faeces in empty tea cups, inside her toaster and within her children's school

shoes. The mother of four has to tip the shoes upside down every morning and has to wash all her kitchenware before cooking to ensure everything is clean. Natalie has complained to her

council, which has finally said this week it will look for alternative temporary accommodation for the family. But the frustrated mum, whose kids are aged eight, six, three and two - has

reached her wit's end. Speaking to Birmingham Live, Natalie said: "It’s disgusting and I’m actually considering living in a tent in the street because that would be better than

where we are. "In a tent, I wouldn't have to worry about my kids being noisy because we wouldn't have neighbours. I wouldn't have to worry about mice being in there, or

silverfish. "The mice literally get everywhere and my kids are petrified. It's like they think they are our pets because they walk around day and night in front of us. "In the

morning I have to tip their school shoes upside down because there's usually mice droppings in it. "This morning I was just going to make a cup of tea and there were mice

droppings in the cups. I literally have to wash up before cooking." The family were moved to the flat in Bromford, Birmingham, after receiving "threats" from a woman who lived

near their previous councl property. Natalie claims the property also suffers with leaking due to a "big hole" in the roof. She continued: "It’s like sitting outside because

it’s raining in the living room. "It was coming from the crack along the ceiling and it was trickling down from the crack straight down where the TV is. It soaked all the carpets. Every

time it rains, that's what happens. "I don't want my kids in there, they walk in a room and they see a mouse and they're screaming. "The flat is disgusting, it

feels grimy, I feel dirty all the time. It doesn't matter how much you clean it. It's a nightmare." Birmingham City Council, which is controlled by the Labour Party, 

apologised for the issues and promised "remedial works" would be carried out as a "priority". It also intends to look for alternative temporary accommodation for the

family. A spokesman said: "We apologise for the issues caused by the leak, rodents and silverfish in this tenant's property. "A contractor has visited the property and done a

survey. We will now ensure that all remedial works are done as a matter of priority. "The tenants housing officer has been in touch regarding the allegations about the neighbours and

will ensure that these are properly investigated. "We have also been speaking to the tenant about alternative temporary accommodation."