A HEAVILY pregnant woman is being forced to live in a mice-infested house while neighbours around her are re-housed.

Violet Mitchell, of Star Lane, St Mary Cray, lives with her husband John and their two sons in one of a stretch of houses due to be demolished by Broomleigh Housing Association.

Most of the other residents have been moved out and Mr Mitchell's mother and sister, who live a few doors away, are being moved to Uplands Road in a month's time.

But the Mitchells have had no offers of an alternative house in the last year, despite theirs being infested with mice.

Mrs Mitchell, who is seven months' pregnant, said: "I shouldn't have to bring a baby back to this house and my midwife agrees with me. But where are we going to go?

"My youngest boy is waking up at night with nightmares that mice are running all over him. My other son won't sleep at home.

"The pest control officer said we'll never get rid of them because of all the empty houses around us.

"We've found baby mice in a box of cornflakes and we've found mouse droppings in all our crockery."

The family were told they would be moved to an area of their choice but the only offer they have had was for a house in Barnfield, more than a year ago.

This was despite the family telling Broomleigh they did not want to move there and want to stay near their current house so their son Perry can stay at his school. With the baby due in two months' time, Mr and Mrs Mitchell are facing an uncertain future.

"I'm not eating properly, not sleeping, we're worried all the time," said Mrs Mitchell. "I've already had two miscarriages and this isn't good for me."

Mrs Mitchell's mother Mary Lamb said: "You wouldn't treat a dog like they're treating my daughter."

A statement from Broomleigh Housing Association said: "The house is fit to live in. There has been a problem with mice but pest controllers have been sent in to deal with it. However we are seeking an urgent transfer for the family as the house is due to be demolished.

"Mr and Mrs Mitchell and their family will be rehoused as soon as a suitable property becomes available."

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