Snake skins force Hatfield grandmother to leave home of 31 years
A DEVASTATED grandmother is leaving her home of 31 years after the terrifying discovery of snake skins in her loft. In February we told how petrified Hatfield nan Linda Bembrick was too frightened to go to bed after electricians, carrying out refurbish
A DEVASTATED grandmother is leaving her home of 31 years after the "terrifying" discovery of snake skins in her loft.
In February we told how petrified Hatfield nan Linda Bembrick was too frightened to go to bed after electricians, carrying out refurbishments in her Brickfield house, found the 5ft skins.
Last week the council tenant decided enough is enough and made the "heartbreaking" decision to pack up and leave.
Ms Bembrick, who has never owed a snake, but five years ago a neighbour owned a few, is still unable to sleep upstairs in her bedroom.
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The 62-year-old told the WHT: "I'm going to leave my house.
"I've tried to sleep upstairs but I can't, it's terrifying.
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"It's sad because I love my house but the skins were there and I have a terrible phobia of snakes."
After we helped highlight Ms Bembrick's plight, snake experts examined the findings which turned out to be the skins of a North American rat snake.
The experts and loft insulators visited her home but were unable to find the owner of the skins.
The grandmother-of-five added: "I'm upset and it's going to be hard.
"They [the snake experts] said the snake had probably gone, but probably is not good enough.
"I thought that I would be here forever and I'm absolutely devastated."
Hatfield South ward councillor David Hughes, who has been helping Linda with the cause, said: "Loft insulation fitters attended on March 2 with two snake experts with their traps from Broxbourne Wildlife Park.
"Nothing more was found, no more skins and no snake.
"I am concerned for Linda; she is a lovely lady, if she wants to leave her home of 31 years we will re-house her."
Welwyn Hatfield Council said Ms Bembrick's application will be considered this week.
