RESIDENTS are calling for netting to be removed from their homes after herring gulls have been trapped repeatedly.

The netting on Newland Court in Southdown Avenue, Seaford was installed by the building’s owners Guinness Homes earlier this year. But animal rescuers and fire fighter have been called repeatedly for remove injured and dead birds from the net.

The issue has even been reported to Sussex Police as a possible wildlife crime as the gulls are protected species under the 1981 Countryside and Wildlife Act.

Resident Nicky Wattam said: “This awful rooftop netting has proved to be a herring gull death trap.

“We have had this ongoing issue with the netting on the roof over several months and herring gulls keep getting trapped.

“The fire service keep having to be called to rescue them and I have reported it to the police as a wildlife crime.

“The netting was put up as a deterrent to the birds but it is putting them at risk.

“Not only is this endangering the birds but it is a huge waste of resources for the fire brigade and animal charities to keep having to come and rescue the birds, not to mention the impact on a protected species.”

Animal rescue charity East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS) have also been called to rescue the birds numerous times.

WRAS founder Trevor Weeks said: “Across the UK it’s the same picture with rescue centres all complaining about netting being used to stop birds from roosting.

“Sadly all too often we experience birds with damaged wings, legs, and infected wounds where they have been caught in netting.

"Building owners have a responsibility under the Animal Welfare Act to tend to any animal or bird trapped on their property and failure to do so may be an offence.

“It is not just gulls which get caught in such netting either, we have had pigeons, doves, owls, and sparrowhawks too. “

A spokeswoman for Guinness Homes said: “We arranged for netting to be fitted following issues with the gulls interfering with the satellite system.

"Our contractors have visited the block and found that the netting on the roof has become damaged, we are arranging for it to be removed as soon as possible and will be replacing it with an alternative solution which will deter birds from landing.

"We apologise for any distress caused.”