A posse of as many as 30 peacocks has terrorised a leafy village near a historic World War Two RAF base, leaving locals concerned and angry.
The residents of Hibaldstow, in North Lincolnshire, have claimed that peacocks attack their cars, damage property, and make loud noises at antisocial times.
The village stands just around the corner from RAF Hibaldstow, where many Second World War Spitfire pilots trained.
Despite it closing in 1947, visitors can explore the airfield command bunker, see military vehicles up close and join guided tours at the North Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre.
Police now use the airfield as a skidpan to train drivers, by model plane enthusiasts, and a skydiving business.
A village near a historic World War Two RAF base has been terrorised by a posse of 30 peacocks
GB NEWS
The peacocks have been a part of the village for around 60 years, but now some residents are concerned about the increasing population.
A 75-year-old former shopkeeper in the village, Les Gladwell, said that he counted 18 peacocks in his garden at one time.
He said: “They have absolutely ruined the garden, eating everything in sight, and they also attack my car.
“Because it’s dark-coloured, the male birds see their own reflections in it and attack themselves. The pecking and scratching have caused a lot of damage.”
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The residents of Hibaldstow, in North Lincolnshire, have claimed that peacocks attack their cars, damage property, and make loud noises at antisocial times
GB NEWS
Gladwell recalled having to bang his window with a shoe to scare away the “beautiful birds”.
He added: “It’s nice to see them strutting around the village for some, but it’s become too much.”
Another resident, Sarah Filby, said she has to monitor her five-year-old son in the garden after she found him cornered by the “aggressive and territorial” animals.
She told the Telegraph: “It was really worrying to see him trapped by them.
“I went out and managed to steer them away from him, and now he’s a little bigger he’s learning how to handle them himself.
“He goes out with his arms held wide and will usually manage to shoo them away, but I have to keep an eye on him and make sure he’s safe.”
RAF Hibaldstow, where many Second World War Spitfire pilots trained, closed in 1947
The mother claimed the problem is continuing to grow as the poultry population increases.
According to local residents, the peacocks, which are from the pheasant family, have blocked roads and wandered into houses, causing a standoff with residents.
Filby added: “They block the main road and drivers don’t know what to do. They beep their horns at them, which just causes the peacocks to stand their ground and squawk back at the cars.”
“We’ve had them wander into the house before, which was interesting. It’s not easy to persuade a peacock they need to leave.
“I’ve spoken to environmental health about them, but they say they’re wild birds, just like pigeons. I had to point out that they are definitely not just like pigeons.”
All peafowl, most known for their 'eye' feathers, originate from the Indian subcontinent
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Parish councillor, David Stothard, acknowledged the problems but said the council would not remove the birds.
He said: “There was a meeting in the village hall to discuss the issue, with one lady suggesting we needed to reduce the numbers, and it was attended by about 60 people.
“The conclusion was that the peacocks would be staying, but she was welcome to move on if she wanted to.”
Residents have devised creative strategies to deter the birds, including adding spikes to their fences.
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