A woman in Newcastle, Minda Thompson, encountered a troubling situation when her flat became infested with maggots and flies. The issue arose after her neighbor’s body went undiscovered for several days.
Thompson, 47, first noticed maggots in her bathroom on July 22. As days passed, the infestation worsened, with an increasing number of maggots and flies appearing. She promptly informed Newcastle City Council on July 25 to address the problem.
Despite her efforts, the situation deteriorated, prompting Thompson to involve the authorities. Northumbria Police were called, and on July 29, they discovered and removed the neighbor’s body from a nearby stairwell, indicating it had been left unnoticed for an extended period.
Thompson had a friendly relationship with the deceased neighbor, often engaging in conversations, particularly about gardening. Following the incident, Pest Control inspected both flats, as confirmed by Newcastle City Council.
Newcastle City Council clarified that neither flat posed a health or safety risk, and due to procedural reasons, cleaning was delayed pending the issuance of a death certificate by the Coroner, as reported by ChronicleLive.
Thompson, who is wheelchair-bound and faces health challenges, expressed the ongoing distress caused by the infestation. She had to discard numerous belongings due to the issue, leading her to temporarily reside in hotel accommodations.
Despite returning home on August 21, Thompson continued to experience problems, with flies still present in her flat on September 1, congregating on carpets and windowsills.
In response to the situation, Newcastle City Council expressed condolences to those affected and assured that Pest Control had promptly addressed the issue, confirming it as temporary and non-hazardous. The Council emphasized adherence to legal procedures concerning deceased residents’ properties.
The Council highlighted the importance of respecting the deceased resident’s family rights and property management protocols, underscoring the necessity of following established procedures before property cleaning can commence.
Thompson, feeling financially burdened by the ordeal, may pursue an insurance claim for damages due to alleged Council negligence, with housing officers available for further discussions during upcoming visits.
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