RATS are still giving residents of Hawkwell nightmares a month after developers at the Christmas Tree Farm site said they would get rid of them.

The rodents have started invading the area since work began on the site at the start of the year, and people in the area are now concerned for their health.

Last month The Echo reported that residents were upset with the situation, and developers David Wilson Homes (DWH) responded by saying they would rid the area of the rats. Residents claim no action has been taken since.

Christine Mason, and Independent councillor for the area and resident, has spoken up for the people who live there. She said: “We’re getting involved because our residents are very frustrated. Not only is it a risk to health because of the rats carrying infection, but it’s also the distress it’s causing them.

“I’ve spoken to the managing director at DWH and he said that they are dealing with the matter with upmost importance. The reality is that the longer the rodents are there the more the risk to health.”

Mrs Mason said that the developers have got Rentokill on the case, but the Initial-run company won’t speak to residents because of a contract issue with the developers.

A spokeswoman for David Wilson Homes said: “DWH has been working hard over the last few weeks to deal with rats on site. This work has required a sensitive approach due to the legal obligations placed upon DWH for the protection of key species – most notably the onsite badger population.

“In addition, Rentokil visited the residence as instructed by DWH yesterday (Weds). However, Rentokil felt that under their current contract they could not speak to residents directly and instead inspected the properties and will report back to DWH.”

Rochford District Council’s Head of Environmental Services, Richard Evans, said: “The council takes the issue of public health extremely seriously and is continuing to carefully monitor the situation in this area.”