Tower block where residents throw their food waste straight out of their flat windows is hit by massive rat invasion
A housing estate is being infested by rats because of residents in blocks of flats throwing their food waste straight out of the window.
It is claimed that people living in upper floors find it easier to open their windows and lob food scraps out rather than use the bins.
As a result, rats have been enticed to the area and have been seen congregating around the two 10-storey buildings.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Pool Council, which owns the building, has written to all residents of Sterte Court in Poole, Dorset, explaining they are having to set traps to catch the unwanted rodents.
A letter from BCP Homes states: 'Individuals are throwing food from their windows in addition to leaving food on the ground, attracting more vermin onto the estate.'
Residents are now calling on their neighbours to stop this practice as they say 'once the rats have taken hold, it's difficult to get rid of them'.
Hazel Colley, who lives on the fifth floor of the block, said earlier this month she was having to pick up food left on the ground.
She added: 'The trouble is, some people who live here throw their food out of the windows. I was out earlier this month picking up food around the ground.
Rats have been enticed to the area and have been seen congregating around the two ten-storey buildings
It is claimed that people living in upper floors find it easier to open their windows and lob food scraps out rather than use the bins
'I can't complain about the council because they are doing what they can to address it. But once the rats have taken hold, it's difficult to get rid of them.'
Nikki Taylor, 45, said she has previously seen two dead rats outside.
She added: 'The upper floors are terrible for clearing things out. The problem is some people chuck food out of the windows and for the rats, it's an easy meal.'
Mother-of-one Joanne said she has noticed rats at Sterte Court ever since she moved in three years ago.
She said: 'One time food actually hit my daughter. Another time she almost picked one up.
'Rats are coming through the doors because people leave the rubbish.. I've reported it before.'
Resident Mark Brown added: 'It's attracting bottle flies that are coming through my window. I live above the bins.
BCP Council, which owns the building, has written to all residents of Sterte Court in Poole, Dorset, explaining they are having to set traps to catch the unwanted rodents
'No lids have been put directly over the bins and the bin stores are open.'
A BCP Council spokesman has reassured residents that steps are being taken to deal with the problem, including regular visitors by a pest control contractor.
He said: 'We understand the distress that this will cause and would encourage residents to report any sightings of rodents and to ensure that the public areas are kept free of food waste.
'New bins have been provided in the communal waste storage areas and update letters have been sent to all residents with guidance and advice.
'We continue to monitor the situation.'
