The Stonehills House resident said: “No one is listening to us. Nothing of any substantial worth, or radical, is being done to stop the infestation and we are constantly being fobbed off.

What appear to be rat droppings litter the floor. (Image: Supplied)

“The rat infestation is currently on the ground floor and in the disused basement, but it is spreading and we are now seeing them on the first floor balcony area at the back of the building and nesting in the disused cupboards and disused air con units.

“Currently there is rat faeces and rat urine all over the balcony area, which you have to walk through to get to the bins, and then back to your apartment.

“This means rat faeces and rat urine is being brought into the building and people’s homes.  

Rats can be seen in the bins. (Image: Supplied)

“Rat faeces and urine carry serious diseases, most notably hantavirus and leptospirosis, which can cause severe respiratory failure, kidney damage, and high fever.”

The resident, who asked not to be named, said Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council has been aware of the issue “for many years”, but has “not taken the necessary steps to terminate the infestation”.

Rubbish can be seen strewn across the floor. (Image: Supplied)

A spokesperson for the council said: “We have been made aware of a possible rat infestation at the privately owned and operated Stonehills House in Welwyn Garden City. 

“Environmental health officers from the council are visiting Stonehills to survey the area and determine what action needs to be taken. 

“We would like to reassure residents of Stonehills House and local businesses that we will do everything that we can to ensure that this issue is addressed as a matter of urgency.”

‘Rat faeces and rat urine is being brought into the building.’ (Image: Supplied)

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The concerned resident said the problem has been exacerbated by insufficient bins and bin storage areas, and the irregular collection of waste due to cars parking in front of the access gates.

He warned: “This is a very serious health hazard that is getting worse, and something serious will occur in the near future unless Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council gets on top of it.”