I’m calling for action to be taken over a derelict rat infested South Shields property
South Tyneside Council have been urged to clear and tidy up a derelict house.
Councillor Eileen Leask, of the Horsley Hill and Westoe Crown ward, is calling on the local authority to tidy a derelict house on Widdrington Avenue, in South Shields.
Cllr Leask has stated that the house has been unoccupied for more than a decade, with the boarded-up property subjected to vandalism and overgrowing foliage.
In August 2025, South Tyneside Council placed a Section 215 Notice on the home, which advised the owner to remedy matters within six weeks; however, no work has been undertaken.
Local residents have reported to Cllr Leask that they have been subjected to vermin in their own properties due to the eyesore house.
She said: “Since the previous owner died, the house has been completely neglected and has now become a magnate for vandalism, some residents have complained of rats and mice in their gardens.
“The Council have given the owner long enough, they now need to step in and clear the site and add the costs of this work onto the owners Council Tax bill, as they can do in law.
“Widdrington Avenue is a lovely street, good residents who look after their gardens and keep the area tidy, but this house looks like something from a jungle.
“If the owner of this property isn’t prepared to do what is required under the Section 215 notice, then the Council must complete the work and bill the owner accordingly.
“Given the need for housing, you would think the owner would want to sell or rent this property rather than let a good property go to wrack and ruin.”
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