A group of south London residents say they have been in a "living hell" after an infestation of mice have taken over their homes.

A number of properties in Northborough Road, Bavant Road, Palmers Road and Newlands Road, Norbury, have been affected by the infestation which residents say have made their lives unbearable.

After informing Croydon Council's pest control department of the problem, residents were told it will cost £94 for each household to have the necessary treatment to get rid of the mice.

However, the council offers a similar treatment for rat infestations free of charge.

Residents are fuming and say the council's response that the infestation is a community problem and not an individual household problem is not good enough.

Jane Jarvis, who lives in Palmers Road, says her life has been turned upside down: "I've been here 13 years and never seen anything like it. I've got a little boy and he is off school at the moment and I just worry about him getting ill."

A council spokesman said: "We sent out letters to residents and so far only six households have responded and council pest controllers are treating some properties.

"The council does not offer a free service for mouse treatment unless the property is council-owned. Alternatively, residents can employ the services of other pest companies or eradicate the problem themselves."