Perth flatmates claim their home has been ruined by a foul stench after a dead body lay undiscovered downstairs for a fortnight.
Gavin Harper and Stephen MacTavish say ”stomach-churning” odours have infiltrated their Strathtay Road flat because the council hasn’t cleaned their former neighbour’s property since he passed away.
The 60-year-old man died of natural causes in his bedroom last month.
The pair have demanded action over fears their health is being affected and claim they may have to abandon their home.
Gavin (31) told The Courier: ”The smell has been unbearable I have been ill twice because of it. We may have to move out if nothing is done.”
Despite the lengthy period after his death, it was only after the neighbour’s remains were taken from his flat that Gavin and Stephen noticed the smell.
Merchandiser Gavin said: ”There had actually been painters at his flat to paint the front door so all we smelled was paint.
”The day after they removed his body, we had a lot of bluebottles come into the house so we phoned the council about that but nothing was done and then we noticed the smell.
”I went downstairs and smelled through the letterbox and started to retch. We phoned the council again but apparently the police had the keys and they couldn’t get access.
”When they eventually did get in all they’ve done is open the windows they haven’t cleared out his stuff or done anything else.
”I’ve cleaned our carpets, bleached the kitchen, had candles and incense burning nothing has made any difference. Normally we would get the windows open but it’s absolutely freezing now so we can’t do that.”
Tile store manager Stephen (28) said: ”It is a rotten, stomach-churning smell. Our home and quality of life are being destroyed.”
A Perth and Kinross Council spokesman said: ”The earliest opportunity for a void inspection was today, and this has now been undertaken. The inspector discovered that someone had left the freezer door open.
”This had caused food to rot, which was causing the smell. He has closed the freezer door, and will arrange a clear-out of the property as soon as possible.”