Andrew Dismore

Following a repeat  visit to the Strawberry Vale estate in East Finchley, London Assembly Member Andrew Dismore says things have improved  but there is still a long way to go to reassure residents that a rat infestation on Old Farm Road has been finally solved. Mr Dismore visited the estate with ward Councillors Arjun Mittra and Alison Moore, as well as Cllr Barry Rawlings, Leader of the Labour Group on Barnet Council.

On a previous visit, the group had insisted that Barnet Council refuse collectors made sure  refuse bin lids were closed, and that the Peabody Trust, who own and manage the estate, restocked trap boxes and increased the dosage of poison, before finally filling in the nests.

Mr Dismore said:

“The situation seems better than a few weeks ago, when we saw the evidence of the rats.   Over a  dozen were filmed at a bin by one resident. I continue to work with the Councillors and the Residents’Association to ensure the bins are kept closed, and that all the dead rats are removed before finally destroying their nests. when  we revisited, although the lids were closed, many of the bins were overflowing, so there is till work to be done”

“However, I must complement the residents of the estate on the way they have supported each other. I think a true community spirit has developed after the difficulties in summer when the gas supply was cut off. The Residents’ Association has been excellent at communicating with residents too.”