A RESIDENT living in a Bridgwater block of flats has been given treatment after bedbug bites became infected, a family member has said.

Some tenants living at La Ciotat House, Old Taunton Road, faced a bedbug infestation in 2019 – and it seems the insects are still causing problems.

The resident, a 21-year-old warehouse worker, was taken to the minor injuries unit by his mother on Tuesday, August 2 after contacting a doctor's surgery.

She said he was given antiobiotics and a cream and advised to buy allergy medicine.

Both have asked to remain anonymous.

Speaking to the Bridgwater Mercury, she said a number of flats at La Ciotat House are “riddled” with bedbugs.

She also explained that her son’s flat has been treated twice by a contractor, with a third treatment scheduled for Wednesday, August 10.

Bridgwater Mercury: Some tenants of La Ciotat House, located on Old Taunton Road, contacted the Mercury about a reported bedbugs infestation in 2019.Some tenants of La Ciotat House, located on Old Taunton Road, contacted the Mercury about a reported bedbugs infestation in 2019.

He has been living there for two years and has reportedly been struggling with a bedbugs infestation for around six months.

Housing provider Homes in Sedgemoor and the district council have provided funding for the contractor to support La Ciotat House tenants with pest control.

The tenant's mother said: “From his neck down, he’s bitten all over.

“It’s affecting my son’s mental health. The council needs to be doing more. I’ve also contacted Environmental Health.

“My son is going to have to burn everything when he leaves there. They’re only willing to replace his mattress.

“If he comes to stay at mine, I have to take precautions to stop them from spreading.”

Bridgwater Mercury: Homes in Sedgemoor and the district council are “working with a contractor to support tenants with pest control at La Ciotat House”.Homes in Sedgemoor and the district council are “working with a contractor to support tenants with pest control at La Ciotat House”. (Image: Newsquest)

She said he has resorted to wearing long-sleeved tops and trousers to cover the bites, even during the recent heatwave.

In a joint statement, Homes in Sedgemoor and Sedgemoor District Council said: “Pest control is tenants’ responsibility.

“However, when we were made aware that a number of flats at La Ciotat House had been affected by bedbugs, we took the decision to support tenants by funding a specialist company, which tailors treatment options to suit individual properties.

“In partnership with the contractor, we continue to support tenants with pest control at La Ciotat House through these specialised treatment plans as soon as new cases are reported to us, as well as offering important advice on how to ensure any infestations do not return.

“We are sorry to hear that one tenant has received medical treatment, which is said to be linked to bedbugs within their home and, as per our commitment to supporting tenants at La Ciotat House, we have organised for the specialist contractor to return to the property again as soon as possible.

“We understand this is a challenging time for those in this situation, and would urge any tenants at La Ciotat House who have a new issue with bedbugs to contact us immediately via email at customer.services@homesinsedgemoor.org, or by calling 0800 585 360.”