A council house exchange has become a nightmare for a family of five who are being bitten by apparently unbeatable bed bugs.

After three attempts by Andover Pest Control, the bugs are still in the house, owned by Testway Housing.

Michelle and Craig Blunt moved into Launcelot Close on 25 February with their four children. A week later, they began scratching.

Testway Housing paid £70 for Andover Pest Control to visit but the problem got worse.

Andover Pest Control generously offered Michelle and her family two more free treatments, which also failed.

Test Valley Borough Council visited the property on Monday to carry out another inspection and arranged another bug-killing session on Tuesday. Testway Housing has offered to reimburse Michelle for half of Tuesday's treatment, which cost £58.

"It's horrible, the bugs are everywhere," said Michelle.

"The five of us have received bites all over our bodies. I had an allergic reaction, as did my 10-year-old son."

The previous tenant, of 13 years, kept a variety of exotic pets - including spiders, iguanas and tarantulas.

For the full story see Friday's Andover Advertiser