THE tenant of a Wiltshire home has been told to clean up their property after nearby residents complained of the potential for rats and maggots.

Mountains of black bin bags and other rubbish have been seen piling up in the garden of the home in Calne, prompting the criticism.

Owners Sovereign Housing Association has been urged to take action against the tenants after property was described as ‘uninhabitable’ and a ‘severe health risk’ by one complainant.

In their complaint to Sovereign, they said: “The residents of this address are aware of the state of their property but continue to make no changes despite having their own children under the age of 16 on the property itself.

“Not only is this putting children visiting the park nearby at a heightened risk of being exposed to different diseases but the residents living in the properties nearby are being exposed continuously to all the toxins the waste will be producing.

“Despite several residents reporting this to Sovereign, they have repeatedly failed to do anything about it, even though their housing policy clearly states: ‘we’ll work in partnership with you and other agencies to keep the neighbourhood well-maintained and safe’.”

Speaking to the Gazette and Herald, a visitor to the area who asked to remain anonymous, said: “I truly believe this is incredibly dangerous and likely to progress if it is not stopped.

“I will continue to escalate the situation until someone can attend the property and resolve the situation.”

Rebecca Morgan, Operational Head of Neighbourhoods for the housing association, said: “We’re sorry a resident has had cause for concern with one of our homes in their neighbourhood but would like to thank them for bringing it to our attention.

“We are aware of the concerns raised and are already working with our resident to get the rubbish removed as soon as possible.

“We’ve also arranged for a pest controller to attend and assess her neighbour’s property.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and offer necessary support to resolve the issue.”

The tenant of the house, who asked not to be named, said the rubbish had been mounting for many months, saying Covid had delayed attempts to get it cleared.

Health issues had also impacted their ability to move the rubbish on their own, and said they had initially had a request for help accepted by the council and the housing association, before that was withdrawn, and now face a bill of £600 to get it cleared.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “We understand that the property is in the ownership of Sovereign Housing and, as the landlord, they have a responsibility to address this issue with the occupier.

“Officers from the council’s public protection team have been advised of the issue and will be surveying the area for rodents.

“The council provides a network of Household Recycling Centres including one at Lower Compton, near Calne, where residents can take excess household waste for disposal free of charge.”

Sovereign urged residents experiencing neighbourhood issues are encouraged to contact us on 0300 5000926 or by logging onto the residents portal sovereign.org.uk/mysovereign