A WOMAN forced out of her flat by a mystery noise is desperate to find an animal lover to look after her cat, Hercules.

Deborah Atsoparthis, 54, of Manor Court, High Street, Kidlington, issued the appeal after being forced to move into a £50-a-night bed and breakfast in the village because of the “unbearable” noise.

She said it sounded like a vibrating washing machine and had been making her life a misery for months.

Structural engineers, plumbers and environmental health officers from the district council have all failed to solve the mystery, although a builder who visited the flat in February said rotten timbers and unsupported beams were a possible cause of the problem.

Ms Atsoparthis said the noise had turned both her and her cat into nervous wrecks.

She said: “He’s not at all happy at all — he’s borne the brunt of everything.

“He's an outdoors chap, very loyal and loving.

“He would not survive in kennels. I need someone to look after him for a while.”

Ms Atsoparthis said the noise had steadily worsened after first starting in September last year.

She said: “There are no ghosts, but I am frightened.

“The vibration is getting stronger and lasting for much longer during the day.

“I'm buying a tent to pitch in the car park because I really don't think I can afford the bed and breakfast for much longer.

“I am exhausted, my cat is ill and I’m running out of money.

“I just want my life back.”

Only one other resident living at Manor Court appears to suffer in the same way.

Neighbour Kath Room, 37, who works for Oxford University, said: “It's not as bad in my flat — it's definitely worse in Deborah's. It's very distressing."

Cherwell District Council spokesman Tony Ecclestone said the council had carried out investigations at Manor Court, but had not found evidence of excessive noise.

However, he said officers planned to return in the coming weeks.

He said: “We will be doing some further work to investigate allegations of excessive noise in the building.”

He added: “We have not identified any constructional hazards.

“We are aware of an issue with the roof, but there is no case for our further involvement — we anticipate that’s a matter for the freeholder.”

Ms Atsoparthis, who has lived in the flat for two-and-a-half years, said she was working closely with the freeholder to solve the problem.

tshepherd@oxfordmail.co.uk