South Gloucestershire | Archive | 2006 | January | 27
From the archive, first published Friday 27th Jan 2006.
FAKE gun shots are scaring the local community living along the From Valley walkway in Frampton Cotterell, it has emerged this week.
A feud has now broken out between several walkers who regularly use the picturesque pathway and a local farmer over the use of the bird-scaring device, which sounds as though shots are being fired. .
Walkers and nearby residents have complained that the device, which powers loud bangs, situated in a farmer's field near Cloisters Road, scares their dogs and has put them off using the scenic walkway.
Following continued problems, Frampton Cotterell Parish Council has decided to take action and has raised the issue with Environmental Health, police and other parish councils.
Those fed up with the commonly-used farming device say they have had enough of the loud shots triggered every quarter of an hour which can be heard up to two miles away.
Cllr Dave Hockey (Lib Dem, Frampton Cotterell) told the Gazette that something had to be done to stop the ongoing disturbance.
He said: "The loud noises has meant that I and other walkers with dogs are unable to walk past the concerned area limiting our use of the walkway.
"The noise scares dogs and generally spoils the walk for a lot of people who wish to use the walkway as an escape at the weekends."
Cllr Pat Hockey (Lib Dem, Frampton Cotterell) added that the mechanical device, which had been used since last summer, was potentially damaging the popularity of the Frome Valley walkway.
"It was even worse before the device," she said. "An actual gun was used to scare the birds away by someone standing near the public footpath.
"It is not very welcome for people wishing to use the path for a quiet walk."
A representative from the Environmental Heath department visited the farm last week and has started discussions to reduce any noise problems for nearby residents and walkers.
Robin Lowe, owner of Sunnyacres Farm, told the Gazette that although he didn't want to upset anyone, the devise was a necessity to keep birds away from the crops and animals on his land.
"We have tried many other methods including shooting, decoy birds and live kestrals but this device proves the most effective of keeping venomous birds off the land.
"I have received suggestions for the device to be turned off at weekends but people must understand that the birds and farm do not work five days a week. I can't help that."
Mr Lowe added that he tries to consider nearby residents by delaying turning the device on some mornings.
Cllr Dave Hockey said the parish council is now hoping to join forces with Winterbourne Parish Council to help stop or minimise the problem, at least to just weekdays.
He said: "Surely if the birds are not scared by now I don't think they will ever be. Our dogs are the ones getting scared and our walkway is being spoilt."
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