Gotcha! Peacock pest is captured

CAUGHT . . . the peacock is netted by Ian Millett and members of the pollution control team

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A FEATHERED friend in Failsworth, whose distinctive wake-up calls have been giving the community a headache, has been rehomed.

Residents contacted the council’s Environmental Services about a peacock that had been screeching on a daily basis in the rear gardens of their homes in and around Willows Drive.

Despite efforts to encourage it away from the area, it always seemed to find its way back. So animal warden Ian Millett was called in to tackle the noisy problem.

He was joined by colleagues from the pollution control team and, together, they were able to catch the peacock using a net and transfer it to Littleborough Animal Sanctuary, which has expertise in helping re-home wildlife.

Mr Millett said: “It’s not everyday we get called out to deal with peacocks.

“But I am pleased that, at the end of the day, the council has the right experience to deal with a unique situation like this.

“The peacock is now in the most capable hands of staff at the animal sanctuary where it will be kept company by 30 other peacocks that have also being rescued, so I am confident that Failsworth residents will only hear bird sounds of the more common type in the morning.”

Councillor Mark Alcock, cabinet member for Environment and Infrastructure, said: “I have every sympathy with residents being disturbed by noise nuisance, in this instance by a very elegant but noisy neighbour.

“I am pleased we were able to find a solution for our residents and also for one of our feathered friend.”