Birmingham City Council has been ordered by magistrates to take urgent action to address mice infestations in two of its residential properties. The authority pleaded guilty to two charges in each of two separate cases involving rodent activity discovered in flats it owns, following hearings at Birmingham Magistrates Court.
First Case: Rea Tower Apartment
The first case concerned an apartment in Rea Tower, Mosborough Crescent. A resident filed a notice of intention to prosecute the council on May 12, seeking an abatement order to resolve the issue. An impact statement read in court described the severity of the problem: "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 inspected the property and provided a certificate confirming the nuisance was prejudicial to health. Magistrates heard that the tenant had contacted the council on numerous occasions but "very little had been done."
Michelle Brown, defending, stated: "We do plead guilty to this matter and we accept the nuisance has not been remedied." She added that an abatement schedule had been proposed, including a treatment programme and pest control measures such as sealing gaps to prevent mice entry.
Magistrates granted an abatement order requiring the council to complete necessary works within 12 weeks and pay costs of £3,500.
Second Case: Martineau Tower Property
The second case involved a property in Martineau Tower, Uxbridge Street, Newtown, where a council tenant similarly experienced mouse activity. A victim statement read: "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 my confidence. I'm finding mouse droppings and there are holes enabling mice to come into the property."
Birmingham City Council again accepted responsibility. Magistrates granted another abatement order for works to be completed in 12 weeks and costs of £3,500 to be paid.
Impact and Response
In total, the council must pay £7,000 in costs and complete pest control measures within three months for both properties. The cases highlight ongoing challenges in maintaining housing standards for council tenants. The council has not commented further on the specific cases but has committed to the abatement schedules.
