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Slugs and snails and Victoria's council tales

25/10/2001

IRLAM couple Victoria and David Ryder are at their wits end with the gruesome guests who have invaded their home.

And they want the uninvited visitors - an army of slugs and snails - to be given their marching orders immediately by Salford's housing bosses.

The walls of their council home on Milton Avenue have become a dream home for the slimy creatures.

And according to the desperate couple, who have a baby on the way and a two-year-old daughter, Amy, the unwanted guests have settled in because their house is riddled with damp.

The condition became so bad, claim the couple, that Victoria, who is due to give birth in 13 weeks, was admitted to Hope Hospital last week with suspected asthma.

In fact, she was diagnosed with pneumonia and is still on antibiotics.

She told us: "It could return and I am worried that my husband and daughter could be affected.

"I am also worried about the effect this is having on my unborn child.

"The council have said they will do the repairs when they have the time - but what happens if that is when I am bringing a new baby home?"

Council spokesman, Ian Andrew, said: "The house was modernised five years ago and a damp course put in so we don't think that is the problem on this occasion.

"However, one of our inspectors has gone down to see the property and we will be looking into the matter to see if we can help with the infestation problem."