Anger over netting affecting wildlife

The Liberal Democrats are calling for the netting that has been put up across Gloucestershire to prevent wildlife making their home in trees and bushes to be removed.

Supporters of the scheme say it is necessary to prevent wildlife nesting in areas set for development.

Critics have raised concerns about the impact it has on wildlife with birds and hedgehogs being caught up in the netting.

In Quedgeley, the Liberal Democrats have called for these to be removed and other tactics used.

Liam Harries, from Quedgeley Lib Dems, said: "I agree that measures should be taken to prevent wildlife from making their home in greenery that is planned to be removed however netting shouldn't be the answer.

"We have already heard reports of animals being trapped in netting here in Gloucestershire, other methods such as restricting food supply and scaring off birds would be more suitable to prevent wildlife becoming trapped."

In Kingsway netting have gone up on the site planned for a new Lidl store opposite the rose tree pub.

Anna Mozol, also from Quedgeley Liberal Democrats, said: "Netting has recently been removed from developments in Cam and Tuffley after public pressure and the same should happen in Kingsway.

"I am glad that the community has been listened to in Cam and Tuffley and hope other developers would follow suit."

Mr Harries added: "I was appalled to hear Councillor Cook's comments suggesting this is not something to be worried about unless animals are killed or trapped.

"There has been evidence of this elsewhere in the country so for the cabinet member for environment to say this shows just how much he cares about wildlife.

"Personally, I believe that if something poses a risk to wildlife then it shouldn't even be considered."

Netting has recently drawn a lot of attention both nationally and locally in Gloucestershire with a petition calling for the practice to be banned easily passing the 100,000 signatures required for parliament to debate the issue.

Miss Mozol added: "I urge everyone to sign the petition and contact your local councillor to help protect our wildlife by banning this horrible netting.

"Public pressure worked in Cam and Tuffley so let's make it work here too."