Pigeons become trapped and die in netting above offices of Newark estate agent William H Brown

Rotting carcasses of dead pigeons hang from netting on the roof of a Newark estate agency while birds continue to become trapped.

The netting on the listed William H Brown building in Newark Market Place was supposed to prevent the birds nesting in the guttering or causing damage, but it has become possible for them to get underneath it and become tangled where they remain trapped until they die.

At least five of the poor creatures can be seen hung from the netting at the rear of the building, which is a walkway through to St Mark’s Precinct.

William H Brown told the Advertiser it had taken immediate action when made aware of the situation, however, Newark and Sherwood District Council said it had been pushing the agency to deal with the issue since September and Nottinghamshire highways contractor Via East Midlands said it had no record of being approached for any permit to carry out works.

A spokesman for William H Brown said: “William H Brown took action as soon as the issue was identified and we have actively liaised with the local council, contractors and RSPCA to resolve.

“The netting forms part of extensive remedial works with complex restrictions regarding access and safety, and which can only proceed once local council approval has been granted.

“We continue to do everything within our power to help resolve the situation as soon as possible.”

However, a district council spokesman said: "Our Community Protection Team approached William H Brown in September to advise them to address the issue on their property due to both animal welfare and building protection concerns. This has been followed up with regular interactions encouraging the leaseholder, Connells Group (parent company), to take action. We are glad to hear that they are now working with our county council colleagues to resolve the situation.”

And Nottinghamshire County Council's highways contractor, Via East Midlands said it has received no application for a permit for works to be carried out at the building, request for permission for a cherry-picker, or any record of contact with either Connells or William H Brown whatsoever.

The RSPCA said: “The RSPCA has been contacted in regards to concerns about pigeons trapped in netting at a building in Market Place, Newark, and an officer has attended previously.

“The RSPCA Wildlife Team has also written to the company’s head office to ask them to take action to resolve the problem and advised them of their responsibilities.”

It said bird deterrent netting can be an effective way to keep birds off structures, as it can prevent problems without needing to resort to other measures such as killing birds. But problems arise when netting is installed without a regular maintenance contract in place, is put up incorrectly, or becomes damaged or eroded in the weather, leaving gaps where birds can enter and become trapped.

It said: “These birds can suffer a long and painful death from injury or starvation. Unfortunately bird deterrent netting is often fixed in high or hard-to-reach areas, making the rescue of trapped animals difficult and dangerous and many people do not regularly inspect or maintain it.”

“While the use of netting to prevent birds nesting is legal, it’s critically important that it is properly installed and regularly maintained.”

If you have seen dead birds in netting, or if you are aware of a regular issue of birds becoming trapped in netting at a certain location, the RSPCA would be grateful if you would forward the address, property or land owner (if known) and date of the incident to wildlife@rspca.org.uk

If anyone sees any pigeons in distress please contact us on 0300 1234 999.