Rats will “just keep breeding” at a Kings Langley apartment block until the fly-tipping stops, a resident has warned.

They shared photos of the bin store at the Thrive Homes property in Ovaltine Drive which show bags piled up inside and rubbish strewn across the floor.

The three-storey apartment block reportedly has a “massive rat problem”, as another photo shows a rodent poking its head out of a vent in the side of the building.

Watford Observer: An Ovaltine Drive resident warned the rat problem will not stop until issues at the bin store are fixed.An Ovaltine Drive resident warned the rat problem will not stop until issues at the bin store are fixed. (Image: Contribution)

The property has been the subject of numerous complaints since 2022 regarding the rubbish disposal and pests in the area.

Less than a month ago, two fire crews were sent there after the bin store accidentally caught fire for the second time in two months.

Watford Observer: There are concerns it is now a known dumping site for fly tipping.There are concerns it is now a known dumping site for fly tipping. (Image: Contribution)

The resident said: “The rats live under the vents in the foundation of the property and in the bin shed, they are massive.”

Watford Observer: The resident believes the rodent live in the foundations of the building.The resident believes the rodent live in the foundations of the building. (Image: Contribution)

“Thrive sends out pest control, but until they sort the bin shed and fly-tipping problem out, the rats just keep breeding,” they warned.

People living in the flats have reportedly emailed the housing provider, but they said: “Thrive are doing nothing to help and it's become a known dumping site for fly-tipping now.”

Thrive assistant director for customers, Anne Bijum, said: “We are continuing to work with residents at Ovaltine Drive to resolve the ongoing issues with the bin store. 

Watford Observer: Thrive Homes said it had added a robust set of door and a lock to the bin store, but rubbish was still being left outside.Thrive Homes said it had added a robust set of door and a lock to the bin store, but rubbish was still being left outside. (Image: Contribution)

“Our recent refurbishment of the area includes a robust set of doors and lock to ensure only residents can use it. Unfortunately, despite increased inspections, we have had to carry out several clearances after finding misuse of the area with items fly-tipped outside. 

“We are keeping customers informed with our latest inspection findings, reminders on how to use the bin store responsibly, as well as requesting residents to come forward with any details that may help us identify anyone misusing the area."

The housing provider has now set up an online record of when the bin store was last reported as clear on its website at https://www.thrivehomes.org.uk/my-home/ovaltine-drive-bin-store-updates/.