A FAMILY of 14 dubbed "neighbours from hell" have demanded council action over their home, which they say is infested with fleas.

Paul Booth, 53, of Station Road, Padiham, claims they have repeatedly asked for help in getting rid of the pests since they moved in last September.

And the family have got so desperate to de-bug their house they have approached East Lancashire housing charity, Shelter, for help.

Paul, a former fairground worker, lives with wife Gwen, 43, and their 12 children - aged 13 to 21. They were called neighbours from hell by families at previous addresses in Rishton, Padiham, Blackburn, Bacup, Rochdale, Hull, Huddersfield, Bradford and Sowerby Bridge.

But the family claims it has moved 90 times in 16 years because of vandals.

Paul said: "We have tried and tried to get the council to do something but the problem is still there.

"The fleas have mostly been in the cellar, which was converted to a bedroom, but they have spread to other rooms in the house now and I'm worried about the health effects on the children. We have got in touch with Shelter to try and help us get something done."

A spokesman for Burnley Council said it had one logged complaint from the family which it received this Monday.

He added: "We are aware of the complaint and we will be carrying out tests to establish the nature of the infestation."

A spokesman for Shelter, which has bases in Blackburn and Fleetwood, said they were unable to comment on specific cases but were happy to help people with advice or advocacy on housing issues.

The group can be contacted on 0808 800 4444.