Cluster Flies Invade Sheffield Flats, Leaving Residents Desperate for Relief

As of October 11th, 2025, a severe cluster fly infestation has been plaguing the Robertshaw building in Netherthorpe, Sheffield. Photographs show these much larger flies swarming around the windows and inside the top-floor flats of the building.

The cluster flies are believed to have traveled from the nearby Peak District to the Robertshaw building in order to hibernate and lay their eggs in the building's cladding over the winter. However, this has created a major problem for the residents, with one 81-year-old former Sheffield cabinet member for housing, Peter MacLoughlin, describing the situation as "unbearable."

MacLoughlin explained that the flies have made it impossible for residents to open their windows, leading to stuffy, fly-infested homes. He also said he is unable to use fly spray due to a medical condition, and that he and his neighbors have resorted to spending hours squashing the flies with damp cloths. Despite his efforts and repeated complaints to the council, MacLoughlin feels the authorities have failed to take effective action.

The council has acknowledged the issue and stated that a second survey to address the cluster fly problem has been commissioned this week. However, they have also noted that common methods of exterminating the flies pose a risk to other wildlife, complicating the matter. MacLoughlin believes the council should be doing more to help the vulnerable residents of the Robertshaw building, especially since he, as a former cabinet member, has struggled to get a satisfactory response.