A HEAVILY pregnant woman said she has been forced to put on holding a move into a new home after discovering a neighbouring property was infested with rats.

Mum-to-be Kirstie Hooper said she had to cancel the move to her new family home just days before she is due to give birth to her second child after spotting a number of rodents climbing on the inside of a window in Howe Street, Barrow.

The 24-year-old said: "We only just got our keys to the house three weeks ago and we don’t feel comfortable staying there.

“I feel like I’ve been evicted from my home because of this.”

The receptionist who was planning to move with her partner and three-year-old daughter said she was not the only resident in the street 'disgusted' by the infestation.

The Mail:

Alicia Murphy, 17, who also lives in Howe Street, described the rodent problem as ‘absolutely horrible’.

She said: “It’s absolutely disgusting. I’ve seen rat babies in the window, so they’ve definitely been breeding too.

“It’s going to cause an infestation on the whole street.”

Miss Hooper, who is due to give birth in 10 days, said she feels she has effectively been forced to ‘abandon her own home’.

“We would never have moved here if we knew about this problem,” she said.

“We haven’t even properly moved in yet and we have to leave.

“Rats carry diseases which is a huge concern when I’m so heavily pregnant.”

Hope Greenwood, 41, spotted the pests while visiting her mum who lives on Howe Street.

“I thought it was gross and disgusting when I saw it,” she said.

“I’m quite worried about them spreading to my mum’s house. We want the council to take action before the street is infested.”

Miss Hooper said she and other concerned residents had contacted Environmental Health officers at Barrow Borough Council several weeks ago to report the issue but said ‘nothing has been done’.

“It’s quite frustrating for us. It’s seems like nothing is happening when several people have reported the issue.”

Cllr Dave Pidduck,who represents Hindpool, said: “Obviously rats are a real concern which can spread disease so I will be approaching Environmental Health first thing.

“I will try and sort the issue as soon as possible. It’s never a nice situation to feel unsafe in your own home especially in an area which has such a great community spirit.”

A Barrow Council spokesman said: “This matter has been raised with the public protection department at the council and is being dealt with.”

The Mail approached the property but no one was home.