FCHO and Council under fire as mice and rats 'run free' in Oldham homes

A furious mother and grandmother has slammed First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) and Oldham Council as her vulnerable son continues to live among 'disgusting' conditions at his flat on the Eldon Street estate.

Karen contacted the Chronicle clearly at the end of her tether at what she described as a lack of action and understanding shown towards her son, Neeco Nuttall, a vulnerable adult who is aged 27.

Neeco lives in Barlow House with his five-year-old daughter, amid conditions Neeco's mum describes as 'not fit to house livestock'.

Karen told us: "I just feel that I have to speak out on behalf of my son and his young daughter.

"I'm at the end of my tether as we just can't seem to get anything done about the shocking conditions they are being forced to live in.

"The one-bedroomed flat is damp, and there's a mice infestation. 

"Mice and rats are just running around freely, round the whole estate.

"We've spoken to the tenancy support officer at First Choice Homes, the neighbourhood co-ordinator and the council, but nothing is being done.

"Everything we say just seems to be falling on deaf ears, and it's not acceptable and not fair.

"People like my son in these houses just don't have voices, so I've been trying to sort things out for Neeco.

"It's such a sad state of affairs, and something needs to be done about it."

Neeco told us that his daughter has now out-grown the 'storage cupboard' she is forced to sleep in, and of course he and his mother are fearful for her health, as well as his mental health.

The vermin situation appears to have worsened since building work began close by recently.

Neeco said: "I've been sitting outside the flat because it's filthy inside.

"There's nowhere to cook as mice are running all over the worktops.

"I'm itching, and so is my daughter - this can't go on.

"I've spoken to my local neighbourhood co-ordinator, but still nothing has been done."

FCHO have vowed to 'find a solution' to Neeco's situation.

Kelly Webb, Director of Customer Services at First Choice Homes Oldham, told the Chronicle: “We take the welfare of all our customers very seriously and are committed to finding a solution for Mr Nuttall.

“Mr Nuttall raised concerns about pests in 2021 and a specialist pest control contractor attended and completed all the necessary actions required to resolve the problem.

"Mr Nuttall has recently raised further concerns around pests and we instructed the specialist contractor to re-visit his home the same day to assess the situation and help decide a further course of action.

“As we were unaware of any outstanding repairs to Mr Nuttall’s home we have contacted him to discuss any concerns he may have and to agree a solution.

“We understand that Mr Nuttall would like to move to a property that betters suits his family’s needs and we appreciate this is a frustrating situation for him.  

"We let all our homes through Oldham Council’s housing register which allocates properties based on housing need. 

"Mr Nuttall is registered for rehousing and able to bid on properties of his choice across the borough and we will continue to support him as much as possible to help secure a more suitable home through Oldham Council’s housing register.

“Unfortunately, as with other parts of the country, there is a shortage of affordable housing in Oldham and demand outstrips supply.

"To help address this we are continually investing in our existing homes, and we are building 700 new homes between now and 2026 to help meet local housing need.

“We will continue to work with our partners to support Mr Nuttall and keep him updated on the matters he has raised.”

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.