A HOUSING developer has removed netting from a hedgerow – placed there to prevent birds from nesting – after a backlash from residents.

Residents had expressed concerns about the impact GreenSquare’s netting, on Bendy Bow in Oaksey, was having on wildlife with the area so near to the Cotswold Water Park.

Miranda Shirnia, from Malmesbury, who drives through Oaksey every day, noticed the nets around the former council houses that GreenSquare is planning to demolish.

Concerned for the wildlife in the area, Miranda wrote to both Oaksey Parish Council and to GreenSquare. She also contacted Dr Brian Mathew, who called his fellow Wiltshire county councillor Chuck Berry, who represents the area in question, as well as asking the RSPB for advice.

As a result, developers have now taken the nets down.

“It’s good news and I am really happy,” Miranda said. “I am pleased they responded really quickly following the letter I sent to them.

“I hope people realise from this that something can be done.”

Cllr Mathew said: “The RSPB advice is not to use nets on hedges or trees during the nesting season, and, if they are used, not to use plastic nets and to ensure that any nets that are used are checked three times a day for trapped birds.

“It is good that GreenSquare has listened and is now taking the netting down, but it is a lesson to other developers not to use nets in the first place, and follows on from a net removal that my friend and colleague Cllr Hopkinson from Corsham Pickwick oversaw last year.

“They should not be doing it during nesting season.

“Well done to all who wrote in to complain, it is good to see ordinary people’s voices being listened to for the sake of our wildlife.

Jo Curson, head of development at GreenSquare, said: “We had used netting in this location only to encourage birds to nest elsewhere, ensuring that they were protected from disturbance during planned demolition and construction works.

“However, because our schedule altered, we decided that site work could be delayed until after the end of the bird nesting season and the netting was removed.

“We are aware of the current national debate about the environmental impact of netting and will continue to work closely with our ecological consultants to ensure we observe all necessary environmental legislative requirements.

“As well as 24 new homes for affordable rent and shared ownership, new trees and planting will be provided as part of this development in Oaksey to replace and enhance local ecology.

“GreenSquare has also provided funding to help create a wildlife-friendly garden in the village to be enjoyed by people of all ages.”