Roofing works stopped over 'destroyed' swift nests
SuppliedRoofing works at council-owned homes have been paused after concerns swift nests, including some with chicks, were being disturbed.
The alarm was raised on Tuesday evening after a resident spotted nests "dotted all over the place" in Lulworth Avenue in Jarrow, South Tyneside.
Sue Hope, who is part of a swift enthusiasts group, said it was "devastating" and claimed the nests were "just chucked aside".
South Tyneside Council said the works had been suspended and an investigation was taking place. Northumbria Police has been contacted for a comment.
The swifts arrive in the UK from Africa every year.
The species is red-listed due to declining populations and it is illegal to intentionally damage or destroy an active nest.
A council spokesperson said a full ecological survey was carried out ahead of roofing works and contractors were given guidance around appropriate action if a nest was found.
"As soon as this was brought to our attention, further works were suspended pending the completion of additional ecological surveys and assessments," they added.
"We have requested a full report from the contractor and are working to establish the facts surrounding the incident."
SuppliedA local resident, who asked not to be named, said the swifts had been living in the Lulworth Avenue area for at least 30 years.
"They come back every year and it's now devastated," they said.
Hope said she saw at least three destroyed nests at the site.
"These nests were just chucked aside, they were in somebody's way.
"It's unbelievable and devastating, especially for a red-listed species.
"It's in sharp decline and it's particularly in sharp decline in the North East."
Campaign group Save Newcastle Wildlife said young birds had to be rescued from discarded nests, and has called for a joined-up approach to protect swift populations in the region following similar incidents in Newcastle in 2020 and Consett last year.
"Despite growing public awareness around the need to protect swift nests, we are still seeing nesting sites lost," a spokesperson said.
"We have contacted the Police Crime Commissioner and the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority asking for their support in investigating how these incidents are being allowed to happen and preventing them from happening in future."
