West Midlands council ordered to sort mice infestations

Birmingham City Council has been ordered to take urgent action to stop mice invading flats it has let out to tenants.

The authority pleaded guilty to two charges in each of two separate cases where rodent activity had been discovered in the properties it owns, at a hearing at Birmingham Magistrates Court.

The first involved an apartment in Rea Tower, Mosborough Crescent, where a resident filed a notice of intention to prosecute the council on May 12 in a bid to secure an abatement order to resolve the issues.

An impact statement read out in court said: “There are rodents throughout the property. It is a bit disgusting and it has affected my self-esteem. I have concerns it is a risk to my health.”

An environmental health officer attended the property to carry out an inspection and provided a certificate to say there was a nuisance which was prejudicial to health.

Magistrates were told the tenant had contacted the council on numerous occasions but “very little had been done”.

Michelle Brown, defending, said: “We do plead guilty to this matter and we accept the nuisance has not been remedied.”

She said an abatement schedule had been put forward which will include a treatment programme and pest control measures including sealing any gaps to stop mice getting inside.

Birmingham Magistrates agreed to grant an abatement order, requiring the council to complete the necessary works within 12 weeks, and pay costs of £3,500.

The second similar case related to a property in Martineau Tower, Uxbridge Street, Newtown where, again, a council tenant suffered with mice activity in their home.

A victim statement was read out which said: “This is causing me concerns for me and my children’s health and wellbeing.

“The rodents are in the property. It has taken a toll on my health and affected by confidence. I’m finding mouse droppings and there are holes enabling mice to come into the property.”

Birmingham City Council again accepted responsibility for the issue and magistrates granted another abatement order for works to be completed in 12 weeks and costs of £3,500 to be paid.