Torus tenant says he can only let children have short stays at home

Malcolm Webster said his property has been infested with rats for the past 18 months, with droppings across the property.

Malcolm, who is a tenant of Torus housing group, and lives in Newton-le-Willows, said the state of his home is having a hugely negative impact on his daily life.

He claimed that Pest Control have not done anything to rectify the situation for the long-term and it is a persistent issue making his life a daily nightmare and affecting his mental, and physical, health as an asthmatic.

Mr Webster added he said he is unable to bring his two young children to the house as he can only stay for a couple of days at a time given its condition.

Malcolm says the state of his home is making his life a misery

He claims the property is in need of works including to a “massive” hole near the gas and electricity meter, and to the kitchen windows.

“It has been for well over a year, it’s affecting me physically and mentally,” said Malcolm, 24.

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“I have two children, they can only stay there one or two days, it is not fit for living in. Often I don’t live there.”

Malcolm says the state of his home is making his life a misery

Malcolm said he is concerned that his sometimes not living at the property will affect his tenancy, adding “it’s not my fault I can’t stay there much.

“I can’t really have the children there. There are rat droppings all over the house. I have phoned the Citizens Advice Bureau.

“It is not good for my health.”

Malcolm says the state of his home is making his life a misery

When asked by the Star about the issue, Torus Group assets director, Margaret Goddard said: “Nothing is more important to Torus than making sure tenants and their families live in a decent, safe, and secure home.

“In this case, the issues were unable to be resolved completely due to no access given to the property for repairs, Pest Control visits, surveys, and other essential safety checks.

“We encourage all our customers to engage with services and following a visit this week, we are working with the tenant on a plan to address these issues and are keen to resolve to their satisfaction.

“It is imperative that tenants adhere to pre-arranged appointments and give access properties to Torus teams and contractors to enable us to deliver repairs and essential safety checks. This ensures we can complete essential works to keep homes decent and safe.

“We will always do our best to accommodate requests around timings for pre-arranged appointments and will continue to work with the tenant to gain access to carry out any necessary works.”