A young mum is fearing for the safety of her child as mice infest her West Swindon flat.

The 19-year-old, who wished to remain anonymous, lives in accommodation designed for mothers and babies on Beaumaris Road in Toothill and claims mice can often be seen running around the cul-de-sac’s courtyard at night.

Earlier this year, she found a mouse in her bathroom and has since spotted several more scurrying around her kitchen in the evenings.

Swindon Advertiser: Mice in Riverside's West Swindon accommodationMice in Riverside's West Swindon accommodation (Image: From public)

She told the Adver: “When I moved here, there wasn’t a problem, so I’m not sure how they’re getting in, it’s a nightmare.

“Staff report it to pest control and pest control put down traps but there’s always more. Before they got cleared away, the smell of the dead mice was awful and hurt my boy’s chest.

“They come out from under the cupboards and behind the tumble dryer, but only at night, so I avoid the kitchen after dark and clear any rubbish every day.

“But it’s getting dark earlier now. Trying to make dinner with mice running around will be awful.

“What if my two-year-old tries to catch one, or picks up a dropping? It’s not safe or hygienic, and I worry that they might get into other homes around here too.”

Swindon Advertiser:

The accommodation is managed by Riverside, which previously appeared in the Adver for a similar mice problem in 2018 and then a mould issue in 2020.

A spokesperson said: “The safety and wellbeing of our customers is of paramount importance to us. We’re extremely sorry our resident has experienced a vermin issue in her home and fully acknowledge her concerns.

“We first received report of vermin in her flat last week, on Monday, September 11, 2023.

“Upon being made aware, we immediately employed our specialist pest control contractors to carry out an emergency visit the same day to investigate and lay traps.

“As our customer was not available to allow us access to her home, our contractors returned to carry this out the next day.

“Our contractors have since attended to reinspect and remove any vermin found and a follow up inspection is due in her home next week.

“For added assurance, our pest control contractors will be carrying out additional inspections on vents and pipes during their visit next week.

“We remain on hand to support our customer throughout this time while we work to resolve the issue affecting her home.”