Couple told not to feed birds in their own garden

Feathers are flying in a North village after environmental health officers banned a couple from feeding wild birds ... in their own back garden. Mick and June Dunny, of Belford, Northumberland, welcome sparrows and more to the small bird table in their blossoming garden, enticing them in with biscuit crumbs and other delights.

But feeding the birds is considered a noisy and dirty hobby by Berwick upon Tweed council who said they have received a complaint. In a letter sent to the couple’s home they threatened to take action unless the Dunnys stop immediately. The letter said: “Birds cause some considerable problem in forms of noise and dirt. Not only do their droppings damage and contaminate property, the birds also carry various diseases such as salmonella.

“If they are encouraged into an area and build nests, these nests can cause problems, such as blocking chimneys, flues and gutters. Food put out for the birds will also attract rats and vermin. If we establish that a nuisance or pest problem does exist, we may have to consider further action.”



Mick, 69, a retired foreman and joiner, has branded the demand as “completely crazy” and vowed to continue putting food out for his feathered friends.

He said: “Let them put me in jail ... it’s just crazy. What do they mean by noise? I’d hardly describe the dawn chorus as noise. And we’ve never once seen a rat or mouse in the garden. My wife was very angry but I just thought it was a joke at first, a wind-up.

“I’m just going to carry on as I am ... it’s my human right to feed the birds, after all.”