Southampton woman, 88, has toe chewed off by a rat

Andrea Scott said she first reported rats to Southampton City Council at her 88-year-old mother’s home on Butts Close, Sholing, in April, after seeing just a single rat run from an armchair into the kitchen.

To her shock, Andrea was told her mother would have to pay £297 for the council to get a pest exterminator into the home – a cost the bedbound 88-year-old just could not afford.

Despite attempting to pay for the treatment herself, the council provided Andrea with a date that was weeks away. 

But the situation became worse than anyone could imagine when Andrea got a call from her mother’s carers on the morning of May 20.

The 56-year-old said: “I was horrified and a week on our family are still in shock.

“Mum is diabetic meaning she has no feeling in her legs – the only positive is that she was not in any pain.

“She is currently in hospital and the bleeding still has not stopped – she just keeps saying ‘I can’t believe what has happened’

“The council chose not to support a vulnerable old lady and look at what has happened.”

The rat chewed off the 88-year-old's toe (Image: NQ) READ MORE: Council warning over fake parking tickets in Southampton

The rat had chewed through her sock and the top of her toe, including her toenail.

After the council told Andrea her mother would have to pay, she decided to lay rat traps and poison around the house – with no rats being caught.

Andrea Scott (Image: NQ) She continued: “Why should any council tenant be forced to pay to get rid of the rats.

“Her carers found a puddle of blood and screamed when they saw what had happened.

“It’s been so traumatic for mum and the whole family – I wont ever let her back in that house.

“From the research we have done it’s the bedbound who are most vulnerable.”

Butts Close neighbours have also confirmed to Andrea they have also had issues with rats in their properties. 

In response, a Southampton City Council Spokesperson said: “We take all reports of pest sightings seriously and encourage residents to report them to us using our website so that our team can assess the situation and work with the resident to deal with the issue.

 “In response to a report made yesterday, Tuesday 27 May, which raised the issues of a rat infestation and potentially unsafe electrics, the council are attempting to arrange an urgent visit from both the pest and electrical teams to investigate this issue further.

“Our thoughts are with the individual and we will continue to work with the family to ensure her mother’s home is safe and free from pests.”