A WOMAN refused rehousing when her home became infested by hundreds of Larder Beetles has now been found a temporary new home.

Miss Sarah Hughes complained to Three Rivers District Council when the flat in Forfar House, Oxhey Drive, South Oxhey, she had lived in just a matter of weeks became overrun by the insects.

Despite the 26-year-old's pleas to be rehoused she was told by the council "the flat is not a threat to health and is not unfit for human habitation," and she would not be moved.

The council fumigated several times, but because only the adult beetle not the larvae is affected by the council's pesticide, the problem has continued.

Miss Hughes, who was homeless before being found the council flat, has been staying with friends and relatives.

She said after each fumigation she has hoovered up hundreds of the flying insects, only for more to appear when the larvae hatch.

Last Friday the council decided to put Miss Hughes in temporary accommodation after fumigating the property again and an inspection by the housing officer and the environmental health officer.

A council spokesman said: "The situation has deteriorated some what. There are more bugs."

Although insisting the bugs are not a health hazard, the spokesman said: "It has become uncomfortable for her and we would not expect her to stay there.

"We have offered Miss Hughes temporary accommodation whilst there is further fumigation and eradication of the pest."

The council are now checking the other blocks to discover the source of the problem, which could be in the structure of the building.

Miss Hughes said she felt the problem was the same as the first time she contacted The Watford Observer about her predicament. She said: "It is being sorted out now though, so I am quite happy."

June 7, 2002 12:00