Giant crane used to rescue bird trapped in netting at Hastings Library building

Wildlife Matters rescue group released the distressed bird from the tower of the Brassey Institute building in Trinity Triangle.

They also removed birds that had died after becoming ensnared in the mesh when they carried out the rescue operation on Thursday last week (October 16).

The volunteer led rescue group, that operates in the Bexhill and Hastings area described the netting as: "Dreadful, damaged and dangerous."

A spokesperson said: "One by one, as they hung there, trapped by the netting, the birds died, a long, slow, lonely death.

"We were messaged when just one little soul was left, hanging by his foot, periodically struggling but unable to free himself, becoming weaker by the minute. "We first asked for help from the fire service, who always respond to our requests for help with wildlife, they came but the tower was too high for them to reach. We put out an appeal on Facebook and had several offers of help. Julian from Jules Total Access came straight out but the height was again too much for his equipment.

"Enter Coussens Cranes who took one of our rescuers with them, right up to the tower where seven dead pigeons were removed to a more dignified end and one frail patient was gently released to be taken straight to Mallydams RSPCA centre at Fairlight. “Thank you to everyone who offered to help, to the Fire Service, to the companies mentioned, to Trinity Wholefoods for help throughout the day, to Jamie at Coussens Cranes without whom the rescue couldn’t have happened and, with absolute admiration, to our amazing team of rescuers who, despite obstacles being put in their way at every turn, never gave up.

“The rescued bird, we called Hattrick, is receiving round the clock care and, whatever happens, he is no longer hanging in terrified pain surrounded by his dead friends.”

It is not illegal to fix netting to a building. However, the RSPB says: “It is vitally important that any netting is properly installed and maintained. Problems arise when netting is incorrectly installed or when it becomes damaged and is not repaired, leaving gaps where birds are able to enter and become trapped. If the netting is not checked or maintained, there is a risk that birds may suffer and die from injury or starvation.”

An East Sussex County Council spokesperson said: “The netting at the top of the Hastings Library building was installed as a passive measure to deter birds from roosting on the tower and protect the listed building from damage.

“We are sorry for the distress this has caused and want to reassure the public that we will be removing the netting at the earliest opportunity and looking at alternative measures to protect the building.

“Whilst we make arrangements for the netting to be removed, we will keep the area under observation, so we can act as quickly as possible if any other birds appear to be at risk.”