BIRDS of prey have been tucking into pigeons caught in nets above the Countess of Chester Hospital’s ‘sensory garden’, it is claimed.
A source told the Standard that at least three mangled bird corpses had been removed from the supposedly peaceful space in the past few weeks.
The gardens are accessible from the main corridor on the ground floor of the Liverpool Road hospital and are in full view of passing patients and visitors.
Netting above the Sensory Garden at the hospital.
The RSPCA has now advised bosses to remove the nets, which they have agreed to do.
The NHS source, who wished to remain anonymous, said the situation had led to some stomach-churning sights as the pigeons were effectively sitting ducks.
She said: “Pigeons are getting caught in the nets and then being torn to shreds by hawks or similar leaving the body, guts hanging out, still stuck in the net!
“There have been at least three dead birds removed, the most recent being just last week. Someone called the RSPCA out and now it’s been taken to a meeting at the highest level.”
RSPCA spokesperson Ginny Reid said they had received reports of birds flying through the large-gauge netting but then being unable to get out.
She added: “When our officers visited, it became clear that catching those birds would be impossible, so we advised the hospital that the kindest solution was to remove the netting, which they agreed to.
“We understand from the hospital that now the high winds of the past week have subsided and it is safe for them to access the roof, they are planning to permanently remove that netting.”
A spokesperson for the Countess of Chester Hospital said the nets had initially been put up to discourage birds from landing in the garden and making a mess.
The Countess of Chester Hospital.
She said: “At The Countess we have a number of pleasant open spaces and gardens that provide a relaxing environment for patients and staff to sit in especially in the spring and summer months.
“In a bid to make our outdoor spaces more hygienic for patients we decided to trial the use of large overhead netting on the Sensory Garden.
“However, following advice from the RSPCA we have now decided to remove the netting from this area.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel