A dead rat in a garden has reignited tensions between residents and a local builder over land maintenance.
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The recent discovery of a dead rat in a garden in Kingswells, a suburb of Aberdeen, has reignited a long-standing feud between local residents and Malcolm Allan Housebuilders. This incident has brought to light ongoing concerns about pest control and land maintenance in the area, which have been simmering for over six years.
Residents voice concerns over vermin
Nikki Duffus, a 71-year-old resident of Midmar View, has been vocal about her grievances against the housebuilder, claiming that the area is plagued by vermin. After finding the dead rat in her garden, she has attributed the problem to the negligence of Malcolm Allan Housebuilders, who ceased to manage the area in 2018 after approximately 25 years of service.
According to Duffus, the lack of maintenance has led to an increase in pest issues, with neighbors also reporting similar problems.
Pest control reports contradict claims
Despite Duffus’s assertions, a pest control report has indicated that there is no evidence linking the rodent problem to the land previously maintained by Malcolm Allan. Bruce Allan, a director at the firm, stated that the report confirmed no signs of rat activity were found in the amenity areas. Instead, it suggested that the rats were likely residing closer to residential properties, potentially under sheds or patio decks, where food sources are more accessible.
Community divided over responsibility
The situation has left the Kingswells community divided, with some residents supporting Duffus’s claims while others believe the housebuilder is not to blame. A spokeswoman for Aberdeen City Council has clarified that the council does not take on grounds factoring for private developments, further complicating the issue of land maintenance and pest control in the area. As tensions rise, it remains to be seen how both parties will address the ongoing concerns surrounding vermin and property upkeep.
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