Snakes alive! Hatfield gran's horror find in loft

A GRANDMOTHER is a 'nervous wreck' after the discovery of snake skins in her loft. Linda Bembrick is petrified at the thought of sharing her home with a venomous snake and has not slept in her bed for over a week. The 'nightmare' began when electricians,

A GRANDMOTHER is a "nervous wreck" after the discovery of snake skins in her loft.

Linda Bembrick is petrified at the thought of sharing her home with a venomous snake and has not slept in her bed for over a week.

The "nightmare" began when electricians, carrying out refurbishments in her council house, in Brickfield, Hatfield, on February 11, found the 5ft skins.

In the 30 years Ms Bembrick has lived in the property, she has never owned a snake - although about five years ago, a neighbour used to keep a few.

The 62-year-old told the WHT: "I'm petrified.

"I've locked every door in the house, it's awful and I'm too frightened to go to bed."

The grandmother-of-five added: "It's the worst thing ever; I'm at my wit's end.

"My worst phobia is snakes; I can't even look at them in books.

"I am an animal lover but snake lover, I am not.

"I'm a nervous wreck."

After the discovery, Ms Bembrick contacted Hatfield South ward councillor, David Hughes, who informed Welwyn Hatfield Council.

No one there had expertise in snakes and the issue was transferred to Stevenage Borough Council, where someone does.

While the snake skin is being examined, the worker said if there was a snake in the loft it would be in a "dormant state" and "not become active until late April/May".

Cllr Hughes said as soon as it was known what type of snake it is, the council's maintenance team would strip out the loft.

He said: "I am concerned for Linda. She is a lovely lady who, like many, myself included, has a fear of snakes.

"This is an unusual and rare occurrence. I would not like to panic other people into thinking there may be snakes in their lofts.