Squawking peacocks ‘terrorising' village
Villagers have claimed they are being terrorised by a flock of peacocks that are destroying their gardens and keeping them awake past 2am.
The noisy birds, in Tutbury, Staffordshire, have become such a problem that council bosses have issued a warning urging people not to feed them.
Locals say the peacocks trample their plants, leave droppings on driveways and vehicles, and can be heard 'squawking' in the early hours of the morning.
Marion West, a 71-year-old retired dinner lady, said: 'They're up half the night squawking and keep you awake. I squirt them with a water pistol if they come near me.
'If you're not careful, they poo everywhere, and it's such a mess. They eat your flowers too. They're a pain in the backside. And when they walk on your roof, it sounds like you've got burglars.'
Another resident, who did not wish to be named, added: 'They're such a nuisance, getting all on your plants and making a mess everywhere.
'I mean, they're lovely birds, but when they're up at 5.30am squawking you don't need it.
'The other night they were noisy until 2am and then back here at 5.30am the next day. As to who owns them, I don't think anyone really knows.'
But Heather Hunter-Harris, 63, who has been living in the area for more than 16 years, claimed the peacocks were part of Tutbury's charm.
She said: 'They're alright – they are loud, and they're up early. But most birds are. They're cheeky, and if they can get food out of you they will, but I just don't feed them.
'The peacocks have always been in Tutbury. I feel like if you take those out, you're taking Tutbury away.
'People come here to see the peacocks, and when they put their tails up, it looks lovely. You've just got to be tolerant, keep out their way, and let them get on with it.'
Tutbury parish council, which described the birds as a 'serious problem', has urged villagers not to feed them as it makes them harder to deter.
Francis Crossley, who chairs the council, said he believed there were 26 peacocks during the authority's last count but there could now be up to 40.
He added: 'Some people love them, but some people can't bear them. It's a Marmite situation. They're nice to hear in the background, but not outside your house.
'They wouldn't attack anyone, but when they see their reflection, they do peck – like if they see a reflection in a car. They roam around and eat vegetables growing if they aren't covered up, and they are up as soon as it's daylight.
'We just ask that people don't feed them, as neighbours are being disturbed by them. I can understand people's frustration if they end up on your roof because your neighbour is feeding them.'
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