A Jarrow woman has been left shaken by an ongoing rat problem at her home.

A woman has spoken about how she is “on edge all of the time” due to a rat problem at her Jarrow home.

Laura Dell has told that Shields Gazette that she has been left unable to use the back garden of her Priory Road home and was left “shaken” after she picked up a rat when she spotted her kitten playing with it.

The 44-year-old has stated that she believes the rat problem is due to issues with a neighbouring property and has spoken about the impact that it is having on her mental health.

Laura said she was "left shaken" after picking up what she thought was a mouse but it turned out to be a rat. | Other 3rd Party

placeholder image — Laura said she was "left shaken" after picking up what she thought was a mouse but it turned out to be a rat. | Other 3rd Party

‘I just want out of here’

She said: “I’ve got cats so I’m used to them bringing mice and birds into the house so I picked up what I thought was a mouse and it wasn’t until it was in my hand that I realised it was a rat.

“My heart was racing and I’m on edge all of the time - my mam and dad told me to come and stay with them but I can’t just leave my cats alone in the house with the rats.

“I already suffer with health problems and I feel like my emotional wellbeing isn’t being taken into account with this.

“I love to be outside in the summer and as the weather gets warmer, you can open your door and treat your garden like an extra room - I’m outside all of the time.

“However I can’t do this anymore because rats are running past me, I can’t even have my back door open - it is really sad.

“There are cracks outside of the property that the Council aren’t bothered about fixing but the rats are obviously getting in from somewhere and I’ve just got to live with it.

“I just want out of here.”

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Laura Dell has spoken of her concerns at an ongoing rat problem at her Jarrow home. | Iconic Media Group

‘The likely source has been identified’

South Tyneside Council has confirmed that it is aware of the issue and is working to resolve the rat problem at Laura’s property.

Cllr Steve Smith, Lead Member for Housing at South Tyneside Council, commented: “We have been in contact with the resident and have investigated the issue.

“The likely source has been identified, and we have arranged for works to be carried out to block the entry point.

“We will continue to work with those involved to resolve the matter.”