The Four Courts housing complex in St Leonards-on-Sea, managed by Southern Housing, has become a breeding ground for resident discontent, with a pervasive bed bug infestation serving as the focal point of mounting frustration. Residents describe waking up to swarms of the insects, a horrifying experience that has driven some, like long-term resident Lee Gooch, to abandon their flats and seek refuge in tents. Gooch, who has lived in Four Courts since childhood, claims to have filed numerous complaints with Southern Housing, all of which have reportedly gone unanswered. The infestation has not only disrupted sleep and caused significant distress but has also permeated the very fabric of the community, fostering a sense of helplessness and neglect. The residents’ protests, documented on social media platforms like TikTok, underscore the urgency of the situation and the residents’ plea for immediate action.
The bed bug infestation is not merely an inconvenience; it’s a deeply unsettling intrusion into the lives of residents, particularly families with young children. Gemma Harman, a mother residing in Four Courts, recounts the emotional toll the infestation has taken on her son, who is now afraid to sleep in his own bedroom. The constant vigilance required to check for bed bugs has become a source of anxiety and stress, compounding the already challenging task of maintaining a comfortable and safe home environment. The delay in Southern Housing’s response, specifically the time taken to arrange pest control visits, further exacerbates the residents’ frustration. The seemingly simple act of securing a pest control appointment becomes a protracted battle, leaving residents feeling abandoned and unheard.
The scale of the infestation is alarming, with residents reporting “millions” of bed bugs and providing photographic evidence of the insects and their tell-tale fecal matter. For many, the discovery of bed bugs on their children’s beds served as the breaking point, prompting desperate pleas for chemical treatment. While Southern Housing has issued a letter outlining a proposed six-week treatment program, the lack of a concrete start date has been met with skepticism and concern. The uncertainty surrounding the plan further fuels the residents’ anxieties, particularly for those who are bed-bound and would face significant challenges in temporarily vacating their homes. The letter, while acknowledging the issue, fails to provide the reassurance and concrete action residents desperately seek.
Beyond the immediate crisis of the bed bug infestation lies a broader pattern of neglect and inadequate maintenance within the Southern Housing properties. Residents report ongoing battles with mould and asbestos, issues that have serious implications for their health and well-being. Donna Maria, a resident of another Southern Housing property in St Leonards, describes how mould, damp, and asbestos have impacted both her and her daughter’s health, leading to missed work and college. A surveyor deemed her property unfit for occupation prior to her move, a finding confirmed by Southern Housing, yet the issues persist. The presence of cracked asbestos tiling, despite contractors’ warnings, underscores the severity of the situation and the lack of adequate remediation efforts.
Donna Maria’s experience highlights a recurring theme of inadequate communication and delayed action on the part of Southern Housing. Despite raising concerns about mould and damp daily for over a month, she received no response from the housing association. Southern Housing eventually admitted to this communication failure and offered compensation, but the underlying issues remain unresolved. While they have agreed to temporarily relocate her to facilitate asbestos removal and replastering, the timeline for these repairs has been pushed back, further prolonging her ordeal. Her story resonates with many other residents who feel their concerns are dismissed and their pleas for help ignored.
The residents of Southern Housing properties in St Leonards have formed a united front, organizing protests and utilizing social media platforms like TikTok to raise awareness about their living conditions. This collective action demonstrates their determination to hold Southern Housing accountable and to advocate for safe and habitable homes. The group provides mutual support and encourages residents to speak out, despite fears of eviction. Their actions highlight a growing sense of community and resilience in the face of adversity, as they strive to improve their living conditions and demand the basic right to a safe and healthy home. The protests and online campaigns serve as a powerful testament to the residents’ collective voice and their unwavering commitment to securing decent housing.
Southern Housing, in their response, acknowledges the bed bug issue at Four Courts and outlines a six-week treatment plan, emphasizing their commitment to breaking the cycle of infestation. They highlight the ongoing fortnightly treatments they have been conducting in affected homes, amounting to over £25,000 in costs since April. However, they also point to the local Residents’ Association’s request for further consultation before proceeding with the comprehensive building-wide treatment, which has caused delays. They aim to commence the treatment in the new year after completing this consultation. They also explain that traditional pest control methods are safe and effective, while alternative treatments may not address hidden bugs or eggs. Regarding Lee Gooch’s case, Southern Housing claims their efforts have been hampered by clutter in his property. They reiterate their commitment to tackling the issue and supporting residents in the short and long term.
