A wealthy egg producer caused an invasion of millions of flies in villages near his free-range farm.
An expert said the infestation was the “worst he had ever seen” as six million common house flies were found in manure piled up under two chicken sheds.
Neighbouring residents found their homes were swarming with the flies, which got into their kitchens, fridges, food and water.
Some blind residents discovered flies in their food and drink as they ate. Others complained that their carpets were alive with layers of the insects.
In a test case which is being followed around the country, the farmers were convicted of failing to comply with an abatement notice to stop the nuisance.
Egg producer Herbert Persey and his son James are now facing large fines for breaching the notice. They supply eggs to major supermarket chains including Tesco.
The Perseys were convicted after a trial at Exeter magistrates court last week – and a number of other local authorities around the country were hanging on the result as they try to combat a growing problem.
East Devon District Council prosecuted 63-year-old Persey and his 32-year-old son, who had both denied contravening the notice.
Environmental health protection officer Janet Wallace said she first started investigating the problem in 2009. She said the council had received complaints over many months from residents living near the free-range egg-producing farm at Plymtree, near Cullompton in East Devon.
She told the court: “A very large number of common house flies were in their properties. The flies were affecting them in quite a significant way.
Continued: http://www.thisisdevon.co.uk/Pair-ignored-milion-flies-free-range-chicken/story-16733762-detail/story.html
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