‘Stop parking on our pavements’
Heartless hawk gang flew off with Milo
THE owner of a stolen hawk which guarded Heathrow Airport has told of her heartbreak, writes Daniel Hammond.
Police continue their search for seven-year-old Milo, which keeps birds away from the runway, with Layla Bennett pledging £1,000 for his safe return.
It took “just minutes” for a gang to steal the Harris hawk from a van, after Layla, from
Powys, Wales, stepped inside the Mercure
Hotel by the airport on Tuesday.
She said: “He is my pet and my friend, I’m shocked – I could not believe what happened, I’ve had Milo since he was two weeks old and I’ve not been away from him since. I’m desperate for help all I want is for them to bring Milo back.”
CCTV from the hotel showed three men arriving in a silver Mercedes and smashing the van window before grabbing Milo with a pair of falconry gloves. CAMPAIGNERS are calling for a new law to stop “selfish” drivers from parking on pavements.
Critics said pedestrian walkways being blocked by parked cars potentially puts lives at risk by forcing people to walk on the road.
The issue is particularly concerning for the blind, wheelchair and mobility scooter users and people with pushchairs.
Labour peer Lord Lennie, who is set to raise the issue in Parliament, said he was made aware of the problem in a presentation by the Royal National Institute of Blind People.
He said: “The problem is that pavement parking is banned in some parts of the country but it is very patchy.
“Obviously, it is a nuisance for all pedestrians, but it is particularly bad for the blind or people who have mobility problems.
“The Government promised legislation to tackle it last year but nothing seems to have happened so I want to find out what is going on.”
RNIB’s Hugh Huddy said: “Cars
NUISANCE: Cars parked on pavements are a problem for the blind
parked on pavements are a real danger to those with sight loss.
“Blind and partially sighted people need clear pavements, so they can navigate safely when they’re out and about, free from fear of injury or danger.”
Joe Irvin, of charity group Living Streets, said: “Parking on the pavement can be selfish and dangerous. There should be a default ban, with pavement parking only allowed in certain circumstances on streets that have been specially designated to allow it, making it the exception rather than the rule.”
The Department for Transport said a consultation on the issue has been completed and ministers are considering the results.
A spokesman said: “Pavement parking can cause problems for a variety of road users, which is why we carried out a review last year to better understand the case for a widespread ban. We are currently considering the evidence, and will respond in due course.”