RESIDENTS living in short term tenancy flats have hit out at a housing association after ‘months’ of problems with silverfish.

Landlord Sovereign was forced to call in a pest control team to address the issue at a premises in Monkswell Green, Christchurch.

However, tenants, who approached the Daily Echo after previous reports of silverfish at other Sovereign managed properties, have said they are still discovering the insects in their homes.

Earlier this month, Kamil Sahin, who lives in Westbourne, spoke out after his silverfish complaints went unaddressed by the housing association for more than a year.

A resident in a Sovereign property in Monkswell Green, who asked to remain anonymous, said they have had to spend time away from their flat due to the severity of the problem.

“Over the summer the issue just got worse and worse,” they said.

“It is horrible and disgusting. I think it is appalling that this could go on for months and there does not seem to be a solution.

“It is not something you should be living with, especially when you have a young child in the property. There seems to be problems right through the block from speaking to other people who live in the block.”

Sovereign provided a spray to try to remedy the situation, but the resident said the silverfish returned.

Dave Brown, Sovereign’s housing services manager, said: “Following a report of silverfish from one of our residents at Monkswell Green we sent our pest control team to treat a property for the issue.

“Accommodation at Monkswell Green is let on a short term tenancy of six months and we make every effort to ensure that the properties are cleaned and made ready for new residents before they move in.

“As the colder months approach, we would also urge our residents to follow the guidance on our website for keeping their homes free from condensation, as these can be the kind of conditions which attract silverfish.

“We’d encourage all residents to report any issues with their homes to our contact centre on 0300 5000 926.”