Southampton woman ‘tortured by bedbugs’ in flat for two years

Donna Wynne, 48, says the infestation began in April 2024 and claims her mother has thrown away thousands of pounds worth of furniture and repeatedly called out pest control without success.

She says her two-year battle with the council came to a head after a resident dumped an armchair, an old bed and carpet outside her mother’s block of flats on Ridding Close in Shirley.

Donna Wynne (Image: Submitted)

Donna said: "Somebody at the block has dumped all their infested furniture right outside - the council desperately need to do something.

"My mum has thrown away thousands of pounds worth of furniture and had pest control teams out on many occasions - nothing has worked.

"She has been tortured by bedbugs - she is a prisoner in her own flat."

Bedbug infested furniture was dumped outside the flats on Ridding Close (Image: Submitted)

She continued: "The whole block is infested and the council need to act. Nobody should be forced to live like this.

"I have been in touch with the council all throughout this and they have not been able to sort it.

"Now, with a selfish resident dumping their furniture outside, I fear other properties will now become infested."

A Southampton City Council spokesperson said it was aware of a reported concerns related to bedbugs at Ridding Close and recognised that dealing with them can be "extremely distressing and disruptive for residents".

Bedbug infested furniture was dumped outside the flats on Ridding Close (Image: Submitted)

They added: "Bedbug infestations can be difficult to manage without the right advice and treatment, and we appreciate the concern this may be causing for those affected.

"The council is currently in direct contact with a household in Ridding Close to provide advice, guidance and practical support on the safest and most effective approach to treatment.

"This includes information on appropriate pest control measures, steps to help prevent the infestation from spreading, and advice on the safe disposal of any items that may be affected where this is necessary.

"We are continuing to monitor the situation and will provide support where appropriate to help residents manage the issue effectively.

"Residents who believe they may be affected are encouraged to seek advice promptly, as early intervention can help prevent the problem from worsening."