A VISIT from a Fife Council Pest Control Officer helped get a single mum back on her feet, councillors have heard.

Council staff had visited the property occupied by a woman who suffered from mental health issues and, as well as a problem with mice, raised concerns about living conditions as the home was dirty and had broken glass and prescription drugs in reach of a young child who also lived there.

Members of the City of Dunfermline Area Committee had an update on joint working by Head of Communities and Neighbourhoods Paul Vaughan at their meeting last month.

The report stated: "The team were first made aware of her as she had several bags of waste in her garden that she was not disposing of. The Safer Communities Officers (SCOs) helped the tenant by hiring a skip and getting the garden cleared for her.

"When the PCO attended to treat house, the tenant reluctantly let him in. He noted that the house was in an extremely poor state inside. It seemed that the tenant was hoarding and the house showed signs that the tenant was not coping.

"The house was extremely dirty and the kitchen could not be used due to the amount of stuff that was piled up on worktops etc. The PCO was concerned for the health of both the tenant and the young child living at the address."

A housing maintenance officer (HMO) later attended and support was offered with the help of the relative.

"The tenant then told the HMO about a lot of repairs that were required in the house and officers agreed to meet at the property the following week with the relevant workmen," added the report.

"The following week officers met at the property and the tenant allowed them entry. The change in the house was unbelievable: the house was clean and warm.

"The tenant was making homemade soup on the cooker and seemed very happy with what she had achieved. The PCO completed the mouse treatment, the joiner carried out the necessary repairs and the Lead Officer explained the Fife Cares home safety check to the tenant, who gladly accepted a referral.

"The tenant is still doing well and receives regular visits from HMO. This is a great example of how partnership working can achieve positive outcomes."