A 30-strong mob of peacocks is terrorising our estate – they’re a huge nuisance, damage cars, keep us awake & must go
RESIDENTS are getting all in a flutter over a mischievous, 30-strong ostentation of peacocks.
The birds damage cars, knock on doors for food and keep locals awake with their mating calls.
An animal rescuer has been tasked with rounding up the pesky poseurs — but some people want them to remain free.
However, three peacocks have been found dead — two hit by cars and a third said to be poisoned.
The row began when peafowl from a closed hotel arrived on the estate in Maryport, Cumbria.
At first they were a hit with locals, who called them Romeo, Juliet and Betty, and they even had their own Facebook page.
But they began breeding and soon became a nuisance.
Their numbers were boosted recently when a peahen had eight chicks and many residents fear more disruption if they are not shifted.
Local dad Luke Pearson, 26, said: “They’re a nuisance and need to go.”
Another resident said her TV aerial had been dislodged by a peacock and a girl of nine suffered scratch marks on her leg when she accidentally disturbed a bird in her garden.
But others still love having them around.
Supermarket worker Dawn Charlton, 59, launched the “Save Maryport’s Peacocks” petition which has been signed by 259 people.
She said: “It’s set people against each other but I don’t care, the peacocks are beautiful and are a part of this community.
“This is their home. They bring joy to so many people, especially those who are housebound and love to watch them!”
Animal sanctuary boss Mel James said there are several rehoming options, but added: “They’re not easy to catch.”
The council said it is working with other agencies after complaints over free-roaming peacocks.