SOUTHAMPTON residents plagued by a rat problem in their homes are finally to get a reprieve – thanks to the Daily Echo.

As we reported yesterday, rats have been causing problems for families living in Coxford.

Those living in a terraced row of houses in Aldermoor Avenue have told how they are terrified of the rodents.

Families told how they could hear the sounds of scuttling and biting, and some have even reported seeing dead rats outside their home.

The infestation became so bad that one woman was thinking of moving out because of the stress and anxiety it was causing her.

She said Southampton City Council would not plug the hole in her attic, which pest control experts believed the problem stemmed from and the council told her she had to deal with it herself.

Just hours after we revealed her plight the council stepped in to solve the problem.

The 53-year-old woman who did not want to be named, said: “If it was not for the help of the Daily Echo it would not have ever got sorted. I hope that it will solve the rat problem once and for all.”

Councillor for Coxford Ward, Don Thomas was equally delighted to see the problem resolved, he said: “I’m pleased that the council, after intervention from the Southern Daily Echo, finally reacted to a worried and very anxious council tenant request to repair what is literally a rat-run in the loft.”