A city tower block is battling an infestation of bed bugs after they first established themselves in the flat of a CLEANER. 

Malcolm Coldicott, 74, said he woke one morning six-weeks ago at his home in Normandie Tower to find hundreds of the pests crawling on his bed. 

The bugs have since spread to his neighbours' flats. 

Normandie Tower in Rouen Road in NorwichNormandie Tower in Rouen Road in Norwich (Image: Denise Bradley)

"It's been really hard," Malcolm said.

"I've been reporting it to the council, who gave me a new mattress topper, but that isn't enough to tackle the problem.

"I'm growing desperate."

Malcolm has been living in his flat in Normandie Tower for more than 20 yearsMalcolm has been living in his flat in Normandie Tower for more than 20 years (Image: Denise Bradley)

Malcolm and his son eventually removed his bed from his flat, and he has been sleeping on his sofa for a month.

He paid for an inspection weeks ago - a cost of nearly £50 - to confirm that he had an infestation.

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Now, Malcolm is still waiting for further action from Norwich City Council, and the bedbugs are spreading around the block.

Malcolm has been living with an infestation of bed bugs for around six weeksMalcolm has been living with an infestation of bedbugs for around six weeks (Image: Malcolm Coldicott/Richard Naylor/PA)

"I know of four other flats in the block that have bedbugs," he said.

"It is spreading because nothing is being done about it.

"It is like banging my head against a brick wall.

"I don't cause problems, I'm a good tenant, I pay my rent on time.

"I'm not exaggerating when I say that my quality of life has really suffered because of this."

Malcolm is struggling with the impact that the infestation has had on his lfieMalcolm is struggling with the impact that the infestation has had on his life (Image: Denise Bradley)

As time presses on, Malcolm is worried about the knock-on effect if the bugs spread any further.

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"I'm 74. I'm still really active but I live on my own and it has been tough.

"What if someone less able than me couldn't cope with this? 

"It could have catastrophic consequences."

Norwich City Council have declined to comment. 

 

BEDBUG INFESTATIONS 

A report in March revealed that over the last two years, hotels in the UK have seen a 278pc increase in the levels of bedbugs.

At the end of 2023, viral videos showed the little critters crawling around trains and airports in Paris.

Bedbugs can only crawl, not fly or jump, and cannot be transmitted between people.

They can hide and live in a person's bedding, clothing, luggage, and furniture, which is how they spread.

The NHS website recommends that anyone with bedbugs contact their local council or pest control service, who can use specialist equipment to get rid of infestations.