A DISABLED resident and her partner had to resort to sleeping in a tent on the beach following a “shocking” rat infestation at her home in Jaywick.

The woman, who uses a wheelchair and has learning disabilities, was living in a tent on Jaywick beach due to the rodent invasion at her privately-rented property.

Clacton MP Giles Watling and the Unite union stepped in after the woman sought help during a community action day led by the trade union’s local community branch.

Group chairman Rick Grogan said: “Unite officials, together with Mr Watling, contacted Tendring Council’s rough sleepers unit to alert them to a wheelchair user with learning disabilities who was living in a tent on Jaywick beach.

“She came to the Unite community event at St Christopher’s Church in Meadow Way, where she told her story to shocked trades union members.”

Mr Grogan said Tendring Council has now been informed and has promised to intervene with the landlord to clear the rat infestation so that the woman and her partner can return to their home.

He added: “This is an example of what the Unite trades union is all about. Lending a hand to people in need and advocating on behalf of those who society has left behind.

“As trades unionists, we stand in solidarity with those who are marginalised and feel powerless.”

Mr Watling contacted local authorities to ensure action was taken so the couple could return home.

He said: “As soon as I heard about my constituents and their plight, I wrote to the chief executive of Essex County Council and Tendring Council to see what could urgently be done to assist them.

“I have been in regular contact with Rick updating him and ensuring that my constituents received the assistance they require.

“I am pleased to learn that their case is now being looked into and they are finally getting the help they need.”

A Tendring Council spokesman said the authority was aware of the residents’ situation, and had been engaging with the tenants, landlords and social care partners to try to resolve their problems.

It is understood the couple have now returned to the property.