Residents of a Bridgwater Street are heaving a sigh of relief after council officials cleared mountains of rubbish from the home of a hoarding neighbour.

Sedgemoor District Council said more than ten truckloads of rubbish were removed from 74 Polden Street by their Environmental Health and Clean Surroundings staff this week.

The clearance took place they said because there was rat activity in the house and surrounding area.

The owner of the property was not present when the council staff cleared the house and garden; he only occupies on the property on an infrequent basis.

Sedgemoor said they had met with the owner several times to try and help him sort out the mess, as well as meeting him last week.

An officer from Devon and Somerset Fire and Recuse assessed the house as a significant fire risk. The Fire Officer gave advice on reducing risk and fitted a smoke alarm.

The operation was carried out under a Magistrates Court warrant using public health powers. The property and garden will be treated for rats when the site is finally cleared.