A family-of-five was left frightened as mice ran through their Birmingham City Council rented home, a court heard. Naseem Sajon took legal action against the local authority after it failed to address the rodent problem at the property in Asholme Close, where he lived with his wife and three children.
At Birmingham Magistrates Court on Thursday, June 4, the council admitted failings but stated it was working to resolve the issue. The court heard that Mr. Sajon first noticed rodents and droppings in the house last year. Faye Mellor, prosecuting, said Mr. Sajon contacted the council multiple times, but the problem was not resolved.
Notice to Prosecute
A notice of intention to prosecute was sent in March, giving Birmingham City Council 21 days to rectify the problem, but the nuisance was not abated. An environmental health officer visited the house on April 1 and discovered fresh and old mouse droppings in the kitchen, behind the cooker, on a light switch, and in the boiler cupboard. Miss Mellor said the officer concluded the house was “prejudicial to the health of Mr. Sajon and his family.”
Family's Fear
Miss Mellor told the court: “The family would see mice running in the sitting room when they were there and in the kitchen. His wife and children were very worried and scared. His wife was constantly cleaning because of the droppings and ensuring surfaces were clean. Mr. Sajon did not have this issue until roof repairs were carried out the previous year. It is a well maintained house and the family are clean. Mice are known carriers of a number of illnesses including salmonella. This is an ongoing problem and may continue to be so until the matter is resolved.”
Remus Cozma, defending, said: “The council is now working towards remedying the situation to ensure the issue does not happen again.” Magistrates granted an abatement order requiring the council to carry out works to eliminate the mouse presence and ensure no re-occurrence within 28 days. The council was also ordered to pay £1,510 in compensation to the family and costs of £6,810.76.
