The neighbour says he has been trying to get it sorted for six months
One of the rats inside the premises (Image: Daniel Fiteni)
A barber has spoken of feeling scared in his own workplace after rats invaded an empty takeaway next door.
Daniel Fiteni, who runs the Cuttin Crew Barbershop in Stoke Gifford, says authorities have failed to deal with an “infestation” in the neighbouring property.
The vacant unit on Parsons Avenue, which used to be a pizza joint, is currently locked and deserted, making it impossible for pest control to come and take care of the issue.
Daniel said he has persistently complained to South Gloucestershire Council and to Bromford Housing, which owns the neighbouring unit, since he noticed the problem in November.
He said: “I’m really tired of it, and it’s not fair on me. I’ve complained, I’ve been sending them so many emails since I have all the proof on my phone.
“I’m really stressed and in the morning, I’m very scared to open the shop, just in case I will find a rat in my staff room.
“I shouldn’t be scared to open my own shop.”
When Bristol Live contacted Bromford, a spokesperson acknowledged the “pest issue” and said the delay was due to a legal hurdle regarding possession of the property, but that it should be sorted next week.
Videos seen by Bristol Live clearly show the creatures crawling around inside the vacant shop, making appearances by the window. While the rodents have not yet made their way into Daniel’s barbershop, their visible presence has weighed heavily on him.
(Image: Daniel Fiteni)
“It can impact my business, because if the rats can chew a cable, the whole building can go on fire,” Daniel said.
While the pests have not warded off any clients yet, Daniel says there are a constant topic of conversation at his barbershop, with his customers consistently asking when the problem will be fixed.
Daniel, who has been running the barbershop for 14 years, said: “Sometimes the rats are on the window seal so you can see them.
“They [Bromford] have been telling me that they’re gonna help since November. So I don’t trust them anymore.”
Screen shots of the rats filmed at a former takeaway in Stoke Gifford(Image: Daniel Fiteni)
Natalie Colfer, head of neighbourhoods and communities at Bromford, said: “We apologise for the delay in resolving the pest issue at our properties on Parsons Avenue and for any disruption this has caused Mr Fiteni and his business. We’re pleased to confirm that the matter should be resolved next week.
“The source of the problem has been traced to a neighbouring takeaway unit, which was abandoned by previous tenants. We were required to complete a legal process to regain possession of the property before taking further action.
“Since securing access, we’ve appointed pest control specialists to assess the site and develop a programme of works, which is scheduled to begin on Friday May 30. We will continue to stay in contact with Mr Fiteni to ensure the issue is fully resolved and that he’s kept informed throughout.”
A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council added: “Earlier this year our Environmental Health Team received reports of rodent activity at a property on Parson Avenue in Stoke Gifford, and video evidence was subsequently provided by a neighbouring business.
“We have been in touch with Bromford, who manage the properties in question, and we are aware they are working with a pest control contractor to resolve the issue.”
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