A PENSIONER living in sheltered accommodation has been banned from having bird tables and nestboxes in her garden after other residents complained about bird mess and noise pollution.

Grandmother Joan Worthington was told that bird food being knocked onto the floor was attracting vermin. She is also forbidden from putting feeders in the trees.

Mrs Worthington, aged 77, only has one view out of her flat in Tuffery Close, off Ombersley Road, Barbourne, Worcester, and enjoyed watching wrens, tits, pied wagtails and sparrows feeding in her garden.

But Sanctuary Housing Association has made her remove the bird tables, forcing her feathered friends to find food elsewhere.

Mrs Worthington, who has lived on her own at the flat for nine years, said: “First I was told I could put food and seed on the tables but not on the floor. But the birds knock it on to the floor so I was told I couldn’t put anything on the tables at all and had to get rid of them.

“I know other residents have complained about getting bird poo on their windows.

“I can’t put bird feeders in the trees either.

“I love birds and wildlife and enjoyed watching them from the only view I have out of my flat.

“But there doesn’t seem to be many birds coming into the garden anymore.

“If they do come there won’t be any food for them.”

Mrs Worthington said she was also baffled about not being able to have nestboxes or put pot plants in her corridor.

“I was told it was to do with health and safety,” she said.

A spokesman for Sanctuary Housing said that feeding the birds was causing a potential health risk.

He said: “While we appreciate that people may want to feed wildlife, it can encourage unwanted pests which is not only a nuisance to fellow residents but also poses a potential health risk.

“Some of our residents have asthma had have complained about pigeons, attracted by the food, perching on their windowsills. They have also expressed concern about bird droppings and noise pollution.

“We have encouraged Mrs Worthington to consider the impact on other residents and would appreciate her support in this matter.”