We’re very sorry to learn of the reports of rats in one of our buildings in East Village. We’re naturally very concerned about this issue and want to assure you of all we are doing to resolve it.

Regrettably, rats are a problem faced widely in London as well as many other towns and cities across the UK and beyond. Nevertheless, we’re treating this matter with the utmost urgency.

Last week, we informed residents of Verna House to use an alternative designated bin store, and Newham Council has attended to remove the waste from the Verna House bin store. Since then, this area has been sealed off, deep cleaned and re-painted.

Our team visits the affected area daily, laying additional bait and sealing off the routes we have identified the rats are using. We work closely with a fully licensed pest control company, who regularly monitor and replenish bait stations.

Without accessible food, rats will vacate these areas, and the bait provided will poison those that remain. We’ve already removed a significant number of rats, and we’re making progress.

As well as rectifying the problem in Verna House, we’re of course focussed on ensuring this issue remains isolated and doesn’t become a greater problem around the village.

East Village has a licensed and contracted pest controlling company and they have checked all other buildings and confirmed there is no evidence of any such rat activity anywhere else. They will continue to monitor all buildings and will take necessary action when required. Controllers visit East Village fortnightly as standard to check and bait communal areas, bin stores and courtyards and will continue to do so once this issue is resolved.