THE netting on hedges in Theale that has trapped birds will be removed over the next 24 hours, after sustained public criticism.

The netting, on hedges on the site of the new primary school, was supposed to encourage birds to nest elsewhere during construction work. It was placed around three weeks ago.

However, residents criticised the netting as it was not securely fastened to the ground and had holes large enough for birds to fit through. At least four birds were found trapped, which were rescued by residents.

On Monday, West Berkshire Council announced it will remove the netting ‘over the next 24 hours’, because some of the netting was removed anonymously.

A council spokeswoman said: “Some of the netting has already been illegally removed thus negating its purpose.

“Since it is not possible to guarantee the remaining netting will be left undisturbed, the council has decided to remove the rest and to underwrite costs associated with changing the works programme.”

A video, filmed on Friday March 29, showing birds trapped in the netting was retweeted more than 550 times and viewed more than 48,000 times.

Both the RSPCA and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds commented on the video, with the latter recommending residents contact the police.

On Thursday March 28, Jeanette Clifford, the lead councillor for the environment, said: “It does break my heart that it has not gone to plan. They were installed properly but since then it appears the nets have been vandalised.”

Carolyne Culver, chair of West Berkshire Green party, said: “It is interesting that Cllr Clifford ignored my concerns about birds trapped in hedge netting in Theale, but since her contact details were given to the RSPCA and the police were contacted, she has decided to take action.

“The people of West Berkshire will draw their own conclusion from this sequence of events.”