A RESIDENT at a block of flats where a missing exotic snake is on the loose is moving over fears they may encounter the creature.

Two weeks ago The Argus reported how animal lover Lara Jay, 72, of College Court in Eastern Road, Brighton, was praying for the safe return of her missing snake Cleo.

Ms Jay said her pet slithered its way through a half-inch gap in her bathroom wall and admitted it could “pop up anywhere in the building” over the coming weeks and months.

But one frightened neighbour has become so anxious about finding the AWOL reptile they are packing their bags and leaving.

The 68-year-old College Court resident, who did not want to be named, told The Argus: “They said it could be in the basement but I’ve got a lot of my possessions down there and I just can’t deal with the thought of seeing it. I have an absolute fear of snakes.

“Nothing has been done about it. There are a lot of elderly residents here who are prone to anxiety, strokes and heart attacks and I dread to think what might happen if they come face to face with the snake.

“I’ve packed my bags and I’m going. I’m going to stay with friends for a few days before moving into a new rented place.

“I’ve spoken to [management company] Hanover Housing and they say they are reviewing the pet policy. But really they should be getting a professional in here to find the thing. There are two other elderly ladies thinking of moving, too.”

Hanover housing said it had no indication that any residents wanted to move house, but reassured it had taken advice from the RSPCA on the matter.

A spokesman said: “They said it is just a case of waiting for the snake to emerge. I can say we’ve not been told anyone wants to move home and there is no panic.”