EXCLUSIVE: ‘Crawling With Bugs’ — Residents Claim Council Is Dragging Its Feet While Harold Hill Flats Are ‘Rife’ With Bed Bugs

26th August 202626th August 2026 Francesca Lilleystone 0 Comments Bed Bugs, Flats, Harold Hill, Residents min read

Residents living in flats on Neave Crescent in Harold Hill are raising the alarm over what they claim is a serious bed bug problem, with pensioners and vulnerable residents describing the conditions as ‘crawling with bugs’.

An 81-year-old pensioner, who did not wish to be named, spoke exclusively to the Havering Daily about the conditions residents say they are facing.

“It has been a nightmare here, the place is rife with bugs. We have been asking for help from the council and no one supports us.”

The concerns came to light after a man living in the same block of flats is believed to have started a fire in his flat and was subsequently arrested.

The resident said:

“He was arrested and now his flat is empty. The council said they were changing the lock, but it has been broken into many times. People are taking stuff from it.”

Since the flat was left empty, residents say further problems have arisen.

The pensioner continued:

“A pastor was called to his flat. He removed the mattress and put it on the front lawn. He then took up the carpet that is crawling with bugs and stuck it in the bin shed. Now that is rife with bed bugs everywhere and we can’t use it. We have begged the council to come and clear it and all they say is the matter is in hand, yet nothing is done.”

Residents now believe the suspected bed bugs may have spread to other people living in the block.

The pensioner said:

“The carpet in the bin shed is spreading these bugs to everyone. We also have an outbreak of flies as the flat must also have left over food that has been left in the heat. It really is a nightmare.”

The pensioner’s daughter is also trying to get the matter resolved and supporting those living in the flats.

She told the Havering Daily:

“I have been trying to get this cleared as the council do not seem to want to know. The housing officer we do not trust and think that basically she is fobbing us off. My father is disabled and is getting very upset by this. No one should live like this.”

Councillor Martin Lardner, Cabinet Member for Housing Allocations, told the Havering Daily:

“We are aware of concerns raised by residents at Neave Crescent following a fire at one property and reports of a bed bug infestation within the block.

Since being made aware of the issues, enquiries have been made with both the London Fire Brigade and Police. The Police investigation into the fire remains ongoing.

“Council officers have been in regular contact with residents and a full treatment programme for the bed bug infestation has been approved and is being progressed. We have also reported issues with the block’s main entrance door and are continuing to take steps to secure the affected property.

“We understand the impact these issues are having on residents and will continue working with our partners to ensure they are addressed as quickly as possible.”

However, for the pensioners and vulnerable residents living at the block, they say they simply want the problem dealt with.

They want the suspected infestation investigated, the communal areas properly cleared and the issue resolved.

Because, they say, no resident should have to feel they are living in conditions that are making them frightened, distressed or unable to use parts of their own home.

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