Seagulls make priest's life a misery (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Seagulls make priest's life a misery

12:00pm Wednesday 8th July 2009 in Chard By Kirsty Maclagan

VICIOUS gulls are making life a misery for a Chard priest on the verge of retirement.

Father Colin Furness, of the Church of the Good Shepherd on Furnham Road, says his family are too scared to go outside for fear of being attacked.

As reported in the News, the vicar is celebrating 40 years in the priesthood before retiring in August.

But his anniversary celebrations have been marred by a flock of birds plaguing the church rectory.

Fr Furness, 66, said: “They can be really vicious.

“We can’t go out in the back garden without getting attacked.”

The priest believes the gulls, which started to appear two weeks ago, are acting to protect their young after they began nesting in the roof of a nearby house.

“At first it was just a couple of them but then about eight or nine joined in,” said Fr Furness.

“Now we can’t get away from them.”

He added: “We can’t let my 16-month-old grandson play in the garden while this is going on, it’s too dangerous.”

Fr Furness reported the problem to the Environment Agency and is waiting for a response.

Vicki Dawson, environmental health officer at South Somerset District Council, said: “Gulls are an increasing, national problem and unfortunately there’s no easy answer.

“Birds are offered protection under specific legislation but individuals are able to apply for general licences from Natural England which, in some circumstances, can allow people to take their own action, such as egg oiling or removing nests, subject to conditions.”

The district council has produced a leaflet offering advice on how to deal with nuisance seagulls.

*To view the leaflet follow the link below.

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