Mating peacocks attacking cars and 'causing mayhem' in village

People living in Ushaw Moor, outside Durham City, claim the birds are roaming loose and "causing mayhem", fouling the streets and scratching vehicles with their claws and beaks when they see their reflection in the paintwork.

Now, fed-up residents have started a petition to demand action is taken about the peacocks and peahens which they say have been causing problems for six years.

Graham Bridge set up a petition on the change.org site which has been backed with more than 100 signatures.

He wrote: "For more than 6 years Villagers in Ushaw Moor a former pit village in CountyDurham UK have had Peacocks & Peahens roaming loose in the streets and gardens causing mayhem, this includes fouling, best described as a green sticky substance difficult to get rid of (especially on carpets!)

"Damage to property with their sharp claws, scratching cars by pecking at their own reflection and hurting their beaks in the process.

"They are regularly seen on house roof tops especially at night where some stay till morning. Mating season has started and screeching is heard throughout the day and night-time, continuously disturbing many peoples sleep."

Mr Bridge claimed no-one wanted to act, despite complaints to the RSPB, the police and the council.

He wrote: "These birds should be in a safe environment where they can be admired and properly looked after and not seen as pests.

"Please add your signature and support us and help us get our sleep back."

The petition will be delivered to Durham County Council.

Joanne Waller, head of environment, health and consumer protection at Durham County Council, said: "We have received complaints about noise from peacocks in Ushaw Moor and we are currently investigating to determine whether they create a statutory noise nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990."