The rat infestation afflicting a housing estate is “unacceptable”, according to Labour councillors.

A nest has been identified in Old Farm Road, on the Strawberry Vale estate, where up to 20 rats at a time have been seen around the bin stores.

East Finchley’s Labour councillors have urged the Peabody Trust, who manage the estate, to tackle the situation as it continues to develop.

Councillor Arjun Mittra said: “This situation is totally unacceptable. I visited the estate over the weekend and was disgusted with what I saw.

“I have written to Barnet Council asking the environmental health team to work with Peabody Housing to deal with the problem.

“It is disappointing that Peabody have not treated this as an urgent priority.

“It must be completely intolerable for the residents living nearby – Peabody must get their act together.”

READ MORE: Strawberry Vale residents in East Finchley sue for compensation from Peabody Trust for failing to supply gas after unexpected shutdown.

Cllr Mittra’s colleague, Councillor Alison Moore, has insisted urgent action is required on the estate and Peabody should put a “more robust system” in place to prevent the problem from returning.

According to Peabody, their pest control contractors and caretakers are working closely with the council to eradicate the infestation.

The area has been treated more than once, and Peabody has experts on site to find and destroy nests.

Executive director for asset strategy and delivery Pauline Ford said: “The rats are attracted to the bin area because the lids have been left open and food waste has not always been disposed of properly.

“The council has been to the estate to repair some damaged bins and to make sure they all have lids.

“We have asked the lids are always closed after they have been emptied, and we have written to residents setting out the steps everyone can take to minimise the risk of further infestations.

“We are taking all possible measures to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.”

Strawberry Vale has been at the centre of other maintenance troubles recently as the gas supply lost in a fault in January was only restored in May.

Many residents racked up “considerable debt” while using expensive alternatives for cooking their food at home and are taking legal action against Peabody for compensation.

A Group Litigation Order hearing will take place on Thursday, October 27 at Central London County Court in Strand.