Agenda item

[To consider the petition.]

The lead petitioner introduced herself as Emily Wilkinson and that her father, Mr Wilkinson, was accompanying her. She told the committee that there had been an ongoing problem with mice in her property before Christmas. Bait had been laid down by Wolverhampton Homes but this had not resolved the issue, and there were other nearby properties who were also experiencing vermin in their properties. She voiced her concern that the mice could affect the health of her children. She told the committee that she had had to pay pest control £65.

Steve Woodward told the committee Environmental Control had not been informed prior to the petition of an infestation. He also added that the table contained in the report listing pest control treatments included multiple treatments in the same property. He told the committee that since the petition, there had been a number of actions completed including rubbish removal and a review of the keeping of birds in the area and that he believes that the problem has now been resolved. Steve Barlow added that there had been nine complaints over the past seven years in the area.

Emily Wilkinson reported that she called Environmental Health three times after the bait had been laid, and she was told there was no sign of droppings. She was not pleased with the way that Environmental Health had treated her and felt that they wanted to pass on the issue to Wolverhampton Homes. She felt that they did not sympathise with her. Steve Barlow said he could not comment on a specific conversation but apologised on behalf of Environmental health if this was the case. He said that the team always responds to complaints, even if they do not have the remit for them, and they frequently liaise with Wolverhampton Homes, Public Realm etc to try and bring a resolution to issues raised.

Cllr Photay thanked the petitioner for attending. He asked for the names of Council employee she spoke to. Emily Wilkinson said that she was in shock after the call and therefore did not take their name. Cllr Photay asked for the team to be made aware of the situation and ensure they are polite whilst speaking to customers. Cllr Bolshaw asked the petitioner what lessons the Council should learn from her experience. Mr Wilkinson responded that they should listen to the services uers and respond appropriately, without passing the problem on. Emily Wilkinson said that she had been frightened of the mice and concerned about her children’s health and that she wanted to be treated correctly from the first contact. After the petition had been signed, she was happy with her treatment but felt that she should not have had to resort to a petition. Cllr Gakhal asked whether there were any fields in the area. Emily responded that there was a lot of building work, including apartments being built. Steve Woodward confirmed there was no nearby fields. Cllr Gakhal asked if there was any indication of why the mice had returned. Emily Wilkinson responded that she kept the house very clean and had followed advice she had found on the Internet and that visiting employees had been happy with the state of her property. She did not know why the mice had returned. She told the committee that other properties had had the same issue, and there was mice in the street. She added that she was concerned that the mice may return in the winter. Cllr Warren thanked the petitioner for her attendance. He asked how the Council is dealing with the mice in the street. Steve Woodward responded that there was a paid for service of Pest Control, and the actions already taken had negated many of the issues, including neighbouring properties keeping birds. There had also been action taken by Andrew Finch against some tenants. Steve Woodward was confident he had taken all possible actions to reduce the issue of mice in the area.

Resolved:

To approve the recommendations.