Coventry City Council has come under fire for placing ‘no bird feeding’ signs across the city.

Accused of “behaving with a nanny state mentality”, the authority were blasted for criminalising normal people.

Signs have been put up in 11 areas warning people not to feed the birds, or face being slapped with an on-the-spot fine of £100.

Failure to comply can land residents with a £2,500 fine and even a conviction.

The new signs have been erected following an incident in Hearsall Common in February, where 55-year-old Ergun Sahillioglu was fined £100 for feeding the seagulls , despite there being no signs telling him not to.

No bird feeding sign outside Holy Trinity Church in Coventry.
No bird feeding sign outside Holy Trinity Church in Coventry.

Mr Sahillioglu, who said he was left feeling like a “criminal” for his harmless act, paid a £50 fine, discounted from £100 as it was paid within 14 days.

He eventually had his fine overturned after support from ward councillor Allan Andrews.

The incident has now prompted the council to place signs in all areas where it has banned feeding the birds – but Cllr Andrews believes they have made the wrong move yet again.

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Should feeding the birds be banned in certain parts of the city?

Deputy leader of the Conservative group, Cllr Andrews said: “I am alarmed by this move from the council, who are increasingly behaving with a nanny state mentality.

“People should not fear being fined for feeding birds in local parks.

“We want our parks to be open, fun and appealing to individuals and families, and feeding the birds should not in anyway be criminalised or punished.

“The council’s recognition that it overreacted in relation to one of my constituents being fined in Hearsall Common, whilst welcome at the time, shows that council officers will sometimes get it wrong.

The signs have been placed up across the city
No bird feeding sign outside Holy Trinity Church in Coventry.

“Members of the public should be encouraged to get out into our parks and open spaces, free of the fear of the council watching them, waiting to pounce with a hefty fine.”

Signs can be found in the city centre, including Holy Trinity Church and the surrounding area, Bull Yard, Shelton Square, Market Way, Smithford Way, The Precinct, and Broadgate Square. 

Other signs can be found on Berry Street opposite St Mary and Benedict’s School, Quinton Pool, Riley Square, and Pocket Park Hill Street.

But people can also be fined for “excessive bird feeding” in places with no signs, the council has warned.

The council’s website states: “We would always encourage people to feed the birds, especially during the colder months of the year when natural food sources are scarce.

You can no longer feed the birds in certain parts of Coventry
Feeding the birds has been BANNED in parts of Coventry

“However, where possible please feed them in your own garden, using the correct feed and in moderation, as excessive feeding will attract rats.

“There are specific areas of the city where we do not permit people to feed the birds. Please look out for signs stating that bird feeding is forbidden.

“People caught feeding birds in these areas will receive fixed penalty notices for littering.”

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