Bedbugs at care home

Relatives have reacted with anger after some elderly residents were temporarily moved out of a care complex following the discovery of bed bugs.

- Mark Payne [e-mail] @HPoolMail

Some communal areas were also briefly closed off at Richard Court, off the town’s Lister Street, which is run by Thirteen Housing Group, after the alarm was raised.

The bugs, which can cause itching and irritation, have been found in “a small number” of flats and communal areas, leading to several visits by pest controllers over the last few weeks.

Thirteen says it is doing everything it can to remove them and has been carrying out “extensive treatment”.

But the Mail has been contacted by several family members of residents this week who are upset at the ongoing situation and its impact on residents.

Resident John Malone, 64, has gone to stay with his daughter Danielle after bedbugs were found in his apartment and mattress.