A disabled pensioner from South London says she feels like a 'prisoner' in her own home due to a mouse infestation that has persisted for years. Jacquie Gilmartin, 67, a former nurse living in Waterloo, claims the rodent problem has been ongoing since 2023 and that Southwark Council has not adequately addressed it.
'Torture' in Her Own Home
Ms Gilmartin described the situation as 'torture,' explaining that the infestation is severely affecting her physical and mental health. 'I'm disabled and my health isn't great. I have a condition and use a ventilator at home. Anything like mice leaving a smell can irritate my chest, which is dangerous for me,' she said. 'Mentally, I'm distraught and literally a prisoner in my living room.'
She added: 'Imagine sitting in your living room and all you hear in the walls is scratching. They're running wild in the walls and you can hear them running across the loft. I'm looking at the floor before I put my feet down, and I won't sleep in the bedroom.'
Council's Response
Southwark Council expressed regret over Ms Gilmartin's ordeal. A spokesperson said: 'We are very sorry to hear how distressing this ongoing pest issue at Jurston Court has been. We understand the impact this can have on feeling safe and comfortable at home.'
The council stated that pest control officers have visited multiple times over the past few years, carrying out inspections, baiting, and proofing. More recently, reports of activity in communal loft and roof spaces have been escalated for further investigation, including checks to shared areas and drains. A follow-up visit is scheduled for May 5, 2026.
Previous Damage
Ms Gilmartin claims that when the council first responded three years ago, they 'destroyed' her kitchen by ripping out a unit and not properly fixing it. Since then, she says the problem has not been resolved, despite reporting it three times since February 2026. She criticized the council's methods, stating: 'They just put a black box down and said they'd check it. The boxes are irrelevant and the mice are used to them.'
The council maintains its commitment to resolving the issue: 'We will continue to monitor and carry out any necessary treatment, with a further follow-up already booked. We are committed to working with residents until any confirmed infestation is fully resolved.'
