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Trees on Dell Road. To buy: c09del02 |
COMPLAINTS from residents over rooks nesting in a tree in Dell Road, Campbeltown, had Campbeltown Community Council members fluffing up their feathers at their February meeting.
Councillor Rory Colville explained to members that councillors had received numerous complaints about the rooks and he asked if the community council would agree to the Scots pine in the public garden next to Dell Road, which overhangs into the road way being cut down.
Cars are being damaged by fouling, he told the community councillors, and pedestrians are also at risk.
Cllr Colville felt that it would not be a problem to remove the tree which is up against the wall and leaning into Dell Road.
Community councillors felt that it could create a precedent: ‘If we start down that road where will it end,’ commented one. ‘Will other trees where rooks nest also be cut down?’
Councillor John Semple said that he was not in favour of cutting down trees.
‘Birds have as much right to be there as anyone. Surely it is not beyond the wit of man to move the birds from these trees.’
Director of the Seabird Observatory at Machrihanish, John McGlynn, said: ‘These rooks are there for a short time each year while they are nesting.
‘It would be a pity to cut down a perfectly healthy tree to get rid of the birds which would probably move to the adjoining trees in any case.’
Alasdair Blair, a resident of Dell Road, said: ‘The rooks were there before us. Once this tree has been cut down it cannot be reinstated.’
He added: ‘Gulls, which are scavengers, are probably more of a problem and cause more mess throughout Campbeltown than all the rooks in Dell Road.’
Campbeltown Community Council agreed to let the people of the town have their say on this issue.
