THERE have been more than 200 complaints about pests in East Renfrewshire’s council homes over the past three years, a report has revealed.

A Freedom of Information request by the Scottish Liberal Democrats showed there were 209 complaints made to the local authority about the likes of rats, mice, woodlice and cockroaches during this period.

Across Scotland, councils received more than 60,000 complaints of infestations, with the Lib Dems now calling on the Scottish Government to invest more cash into social housing.

READ MORE: Vandals target Barrhead memorial garden that honours tragic servicemen and women​

East Renfrewshire Council bosses have said the pest control department will visit properties and investigate as soon as a pest report is filed.

A spokesperson added: “We encourage tenants to make us aware of any pests concerns they have at their property.

“Pests such as rats are creatures of habit and will return to the same areas looking for food, which is why it’s so important if you see any or see signs of any in your property to arrange treatment immediately. Following any reports of pests, pest control visit the property to investigate and the appropriate action is then taken.

“The council also encourages a preventative approach through regular cross department inspections of common and bin areas, along with advice to tenants on the appropriate disposal of refuse.”

Last year, councils received 21,365 complaints, up from 17,567 the previous year.

READ MORE: Talented schoolboy Adil is engineering a bright future

Liberal Democrat housing spokeswoman Caron Lindsay said: “The scale on which local authority tenants are reporting bed bugs, wasps, mice and other animals in their houses is staggering.

"It is completely unacceptable to house people in buildings that have cockroaches or other unhygienic infestations.”

Housing minister Kevin Stewart said: “We expect local authorities and registered social landlords to ensure their homes are kept in a good state of repair.

“The Scottish Government’s target of delivering at least 50,000 affordable homes, including 35,000 for social rent, is on track to be delivered in this Parliament.

“The 2019/20 Budget also provides local government with an additional £298.5million revenue funding – a real terms increase of 1.2 per cent for day-to-day services.”