20 October 2023 , 15:01
402
0
A family has been forced to move out of their council flat in London due to a bedbug infestation so severe they refused to venture outdoors – and have been left to survive on benefits as a result.
Mark Henderson and Chelsea Francis felt they had to stay put in their one-bed property in Fulham, in the south-west of the Capital, because they did not want to put others at risk. The couple – mum and dad to Ewan, two, and Riley, four weeks – say handyman Mark has been unable to work as a result.
They claim this means they have been forced to live on £900-a-month benefits, as Chelsea has been declared unfit to work due to suffering with epilepsy. Hammersmith & Fulham council took action yesterday and moved the family into a hotel while the local authority searches for a new home.
Bedbug-infested furniture in the couple's flat (Chelsea Francis / SWNS)
The bedbugs left stains all over the couple's bedsheets (Chelsea Francis / SWNS)Handyman Mark, 27, who said they had lived in the flat for seven years, explained: “It was horrific having to live there. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Me, my partner and two kids couldn't leave the house because we are covered in [bedbugs] and didn't want to pass them on. I don’t want people to think we’re dirty – the house was spotless. We’re clean people but the bedbugs were just everywhere."
But the severity of the bedbug problem ramped up in the last year - causing so much stress they wanted out, and Mark added: “My kids get [bedbugs] in their ears - it’s absolutely disgusting. We couldn't go to out as a family. There was a funfair the other day that we had planned to go to, but we couldn't. The bedbugs are in their prams, in their clothes – they are even in the fridge. We just want to live our lives and be able to go outside. No one should have to go through this.”
Arthur Labinjo-Hughes and Star Hobson killings spark grandparents care help plan
Chelsea, 26, added: “The bedbugs weren't budging. They get in wardrobes and in my bed. They were everywhere. It was awful and so gross, knowing that you were getting crawled on the whole time. It was like a nightmare.”
Hammersmith & Fulham Council said officers had visited the property nine times since 2018 over the issue. And a spokesperson confirmed the family had been moved yesterday and new accommodation was being sought.
Mark said of their first night in a hotel: "Being able to have a bath and a shower and coming out knowing you won't be sitting back in bedbugs was amazing. It's the best sleep we've ever had. Both the kids slept like logs. We are so relieved to be out of there."
A council spokesperson said: “We have acted swiftly and moved the family into a hotel, as we find them a new, permanent home. We are now working closely with the family to make sure that they have the daily support they need – including a dedicated social worker, any clothing, bedding or furniture they need, meals, as well as financial help to allow them to buy other food and supplies.
"Any H&F residents struggling to pay their bills or need advice about benefits or support can call our dedicated team for help on 0800 917 6994 or visit: www.lbhf.gov.uk/costofliving. ”