Anger as bird dies trapped on roof of B&Q store.

WILDLIFE: At least one oystercatcher dies after becoming entangled in netting at B&Q in Arbroath

An Angus DIY store has come under fire after birds got trapped in roof netting for several days, with at least one of them dying.

Concerned locals alerted staff at Arbroath’s B&Q on May 9 to a herring gull and an oystercatcher entangled in the net, which is used as a nesting deterrent.

The Scottish SPCA (SSPCA) liaised with store bosses to contact their contractor, as the animal welfare organisation was unable to access the private roof.

While the birds were trapped for several days, a post by Angus Birdnews was shared more than a thousand times on Twitter, with social media users expressing concern for the creatures.

In the video, the trapped gull can be heard calling out as it attempts to free itself from the net, while metres away the oystercatcher lies dead.

B&Q has said the netting is used for public health reasons but the SSPCA has urged that it be removed as the legal duty to protect the welfare of the birds had been breached.

The birds were taken from the netting several days later but it is unclear whether the herring gull survived.

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We recommend the netting is removed until there are assurances it can be maintained properly. MIKE FLYNN, SSPCA CHIEF INSPECTOR

According to the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, those who are responsible for the netting have a legal obligation to ensure the welfare of birds.

It is understood several other birds have become trapped in the net on other occasions.

SSPCA chief inspector Mike Flynn said: “We were alerted to birds caught in netting on the roof of B&Q in Arbroath on 9 May.

“For health and safety reasons, we could not access the roof, so we advised B&Q they should contact their contractor as soon as possible as they are professionally equipped to enter the roof space.

“Unfortunately, one of the birds had passed away, so Rentokil was contacted to remove the deceased bird.

“We were again contacted on May 11 by a member of the public who made us aware the birds were still under the netting. We spoke to B&Q who had contacted their contractor and were waiting for them to take action.

“Unfortunately, we are limited as to the help we can provide in these situations due to the health and safety risks of reaching animals in high places on private property.

“We recommend the netting is removed until there are assurances that it can be maintained properly.”

A B&Q spokesperson said: “Where required, netting is installed as an approved method to deter gulls from nesting on roofs, as this can lead to public health issues.

“We have taken steps with our partners to ensure that the net is fitted correctly at the Arbroath store and acts as a deterrent as intended.”

rmccurdy@thecourier.co.uk.

The dead bird can be seen in the netting on the roof of the B&Q store in Arbroath.