London Depot's "Death Trap" Net Kills Wild Birds

Residents in west London are calling for the removal of a newly installed safety net on a Transport for London (TfL) depot in Northfields, which has tragically trapped and killed wild birds. One concerned resident described witnessing a gull suffer a "slow and painful death" over four days, becoming deeply distressed by the bird's plight. A wildlife expert from The Swan Sanctuary, who attended to rescue birds, discovered at least five had become ensnared, with one already deceased and the rescued juvenile later dying.

The expert has labeled the netting an "expensive death trap" and supported calls for a ban, emphasizing that safer alternatives exist. Transport for London stated the netting was installed to mitigate safety risks, such as flooding from blocked drainage, but acknowledged that damage had occurred, leading to birds becoming trapped. They assured that repairs are being made to prevent recurrence and that the netting's effectiveness is under continuous assessment. Animal welfare groups like the RSPCA and RSPB have been made aware of the situation and urged the public to report any trapped birds.