A family has spoken of their frustration after a rat infestation at a block of flats left their children struggling to sleep.
Chloe Ambler, who lives at Wells Court in Yeadon, said she has been battling a rat problem in her loft and claims the issue extends far beyond her own home.
The mother-of-two said she first reported the problem around two weeks ago after concerns were raised by her son's school.
Leeds City Council said it has received reports of rats at Wells Court and confirmed pest control officers had attended the building on several occasions this year.
Insulation in the loft space where residents say rats have repeatedly been spotted. (Image: Mike Simmonds)
Son has 'nightmares'
Ms Ambler said: "My son is four and he's going to school talking about his nightmares...it's got to the point where his school pulled me to one side and expressed concerns.
"It's the whole block."
Ms Ambler said neighbours had told her the issue had existed for years and affected multiple flats within the building.
According to Ms Ambler, a recent visit from pest control confirmed the problem was widespread.
Family belongings damaged
The issue came to light when Ms Ambler and her children's father went into the loft to retrieve Halloween decorations.
She said they discovered extensive damage to their stored belongings.
Ms Abler said: "Hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds worth of things have been damaged...it's not just the money. It's memories, personal belongings and my children's things."
Council investigating
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: "The council takes its responsibilities as a landlord extremely seriously and is absolutely committed to providing and maintaining quality homes for people in communities across Leeds.
"We can confirm that we have received reports of rats being present in some parts of the Wells Court flats in Yeadon.
"Our pest control service has attended the building on a number of occasions this year, with appropriate action, including the laying of bait trays, being taken to tackle the problem."
Further inspections planned
The council said further investigations would take place to establish whether repairs are needed.
The spokesperson added: "We are aware that, despite these measures, sightings of rats have continued at Wells Court."
The authority said it recognised the situation would be concerning for residents and insisted it was working to identify and address the root cause of the problem.
Residents experiencing issues in council properties are being encouraged to report them through the council's repairs and housing services.