A FAMILY has told how an infestation of rats has forced them out of their home.

And Martin Massa, who shares the home in Douglas Place, Roe Lee, Blackburn, with his girlfriend and their two young children, hit out at the borough council for delays in resolving the problem.

Mr Massa said the family had been complaining about the infestation since March but nothing had been done.

Bosses at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council said its officers had visited the house a number of times but had failed to gain access, despite leaving notes.

Mr Massa, 28, and his girlfriend, Vicky Boyd, 20, said he had not received any notes or phone calls.

He said he had not been in the house for more than a month as they had decided to move out of the Twin Valley Homes property because the conditions were unacceptable.

Mr Massa said the house was now full of rat droppings and that carpets have been chewed apart.

Mr Massa believes the problem has been caused by piles of rubbish dumped in the area around his home.

He said: “We have had no option but to leave our house while this gets sorted.

“My kids couldn’t have stayed there any longer. It’s a disgrace.

"We are staying with relatives in Nelson."

Peter Hunt, director of environment at the council, said they would be going to the property to deal with the problem.

Twin Valley spokesperson Deb Booth said: “Rat infestation is a public health issue and not relevant to Twin Valley Homes.”