A CWMBRAN pensioner has called for action after spending weeks battling a fly infestation in his home following the death of a neighbour.
Earlier this month, Anthony Leonard, 71, of Old Cwmbran, returned home from a short holiday to find “millions of maggots” spread around his property.
After calling emergency services, police discovered the body of a 60-year-old man in the flat above at School Court, Oak Street.
Following the death - confirmed by police as non-suspicious - Bron Afon Community Housing subsequently started cleaning work on both flats.
Despite using regular chemical processes to cleanse the flats, the elderly man claims the maggots — which have since become flies — are still living within the wall cavities.
He said: “When I got back from holiday, all the maggots got inside the carpet and there was no way that the cleaners could clean them out.
“The Bron Afon Community Housing contractors were very professional but I have been at my wits' end about it.
“I can’t find out where the flies are coming from and I’m supposed to have a specialist coming to visit.”
Mr Leonard added that the chemicals used by cleaners to tackle the flies mean his granddaughter can’t visit and the situation is cutting him off from his family.
He said: “Every morning I have to open the windows to let the flies out. I also have bad lungs and I’m falling apart. I’m very depressed about it now.
“I’m no youngster and I just can’t keep going on with this.”
Bron Afon Community Housing has confirmed it is investigating the incident and have visited Mr Leonard’s home on several occasions.
Head of community housing for Bron Afon, Liz Evans, said: "Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of our late tenant.
“This rare and tragic incident has been upsetting for everyone involved.
"We are now doing everything we can to find out the source of the flies in Mr Leonard's flat. Our contractors have carried out a deep clean and given advice to him."
“As the problem isn't solved we are taking action to resolve it," she added.
A Gwent Police spokeswoman said “We were called at 2.10am on Friday, September 9 2016 to a report that a 60-year-old man had been found deceased at an address on School Court, Oak Street, Cwmbran.
“Officers attended - the death is not being treated as suspicious and a report has been submitted to the coroner.”
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