THE APPARENTLY tranquil pastime of bird-feeding is causing a 'turf war' at an Otley housing complex.

Ann Walker was given her bird feeding station on Mother's Day this year by her son Gary.

It was installed in the shared grass and trees area outside her flat, at Newall Close, by her grandson, Bobby-Joe.

But the new feature angered two neighbours who complained that it was spoiling their view and causing hygiene problems.

As a result Mrs Walker this week, after being given a deadline by Connect Housing Association, was forced to move her feeders and bird bath.

They now stand several yards further away inside a wildlife area, where the 77 year old says she needs binoculars to watch the birds.

She said: "This feeding station was a Mother's Day gift but my life's been made a misery ever since, all because of two residents who didn't like it.

"I've fed birds wherever I've lived. It's so sad to think that because two people object you get all this palaver.

"The housing manager told me I had to take the feeder down or they would take it and put it in storage.

"Connect actually fund feeders for residents on some of their other estates, yet I've been forced to move mine.

"This has got out of hand. I just want to be left alone to feed the birds."

Two residents came out to voice support for Mrs Walker when she was being interviewed outside for this article.

One said that her bird feeder had been attacked by another resident earlier this year.

Neighbourhood Services Manager for Connect, Ceri Lewis, said: "This is a really disappointing situation.

"We were made aware of neighbour disputes happening over the feeding of birds on communal grounds.

"We held a meeting on April 17 to help residents find a fair solution that allowed those who wanted to feed the birds to do so without attracting large birds, causing damage to trees, or soiling washing/drying that was hanging out.

"Key points were agreed and we captured what residents felt was a fair way forward.

"This became the Good Neighbour Agreement that residents using the communal land agreed to follow.

"As a charitable housing association we have a responsibility to all our tenants.

"We have spent a lot of time helping residents find a common agreement about this and hoped they would stick to the agreement, so the communal land can continue to be used and enjoyed by everyone.

"We have supported residents to create a wildlife garden and allotment area at the scheme, and it is disappointing that the behaviour of a few is affecting what is normally a great local community."