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A Twitter user has expressed outrage at the use of ‘anti-bird spikes’ in Clifton trees to protect expensive cars from droppings.

The spikes – which are usually used to stop birds resting and building nests on ledges and nooks on buildings – have been nailed to two trees in the front garden of Essendene House and Heathfield House between Clifton Down and Pembroke Road.

The properties are privately owned flats and one resident has confirmed the spikes are "solely to to protect cars" - which include a number of expensive BMWs and Audis - from bird poo.

The measure has upset social media manager Jennifer Garrett, who took to Twitter to vent her frustration.

She said: “Our war on wildlife: now birds are not allowed in trees...?! Pigeon spikes spotted in Clifton, Bristol above a car park. Has anyone seen this before? How is it allowed?!”

Ms Garrett's tweet has been retweeted more than 200 times, with many other users coming out in support of her concerns.

Iain Green‏ said: “I'm lost for words at how appalling this is!”

And Donna Rainey‏ added: “We have reached a new low. Appalling!”

The plastic spikes are also being used at other properties in the area.

(Image: Anna Francis)

A resident of the flats, who asked not to be named, said: "The spikes are solely to protect the cars, there is no other reason.

"There is a big problem with bird droppings around here. They can really make a mess of cars, and for some reason they [the birds] do seem to congregate around this area."

The resident conceded that some might view the practice as cruel but said there are were many more trees nearby for birds to roost and nest in.

"We did try other methods to scare off the birds," the resident added. "I think we had a wooden bird of prey in the branches, but that didn't seem to do anything.

"I would say there are a number of other trees around - we are right by The Downs."

Responding to the Twitter criticism, he said: "I think people are just looking for something to get upset about."

poll loading Should the 'anti-bird spikes' be removed from the Clifton trees? 2000+ VOTES SO FAR Yes, why should birds be forced out of their natural habitats No, bird poo is a real problem for car owners

The ‘anti-bird spikes’ are commonly used in shopping centres – including Broadmead and Cabot Circus – to protect shoppers from falling bird poo. But the use of spikes in trees is a much less common occurrence, although the Bristol Post understands the spikes in question have been in the Clifton trees for some time.

(Image: Michael Lloyd)

Green councillor for Clifton, Paula O'Rourke, has condemned the measure and its potential impact on local wildlife.

“I’m aware that the landowner might be legally within their rights to do this to the trees as they seem to be on private land. However, I will be looking into this at the council," she said.

“Whether allowed or not though, it looks awful and it’s a shame to see trees being literally made uninhabitable to birds – presumably for the sake of car parking.

"Sometimes it’s too easy to lose sight of the benefit that we all gain from trees and green spaces and from the presence of wildlife around us in the city.”

There appears to be little legislation to protect the rights of common trees and nesting bird.

Bristol City Council can place ‘tree preservation orders’ (TPOs) on trees to prevent people from felling, lopping, topping and cutting the roots. Anyone who breaches a TPO can be fined up to £20,000.

However, the tree in question is not subject to a TPO and therefore the council has no powers to force the removal of the spikes.