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Ashley is moved on from street

16/ 7/2008

ASHLEY Peacock – Failsworth’s most exotic but noisy neighbour – has been forcibly rehomed.

‘Coronation Street’ fans needn’t worry, however, as the troublesome tenant is the soap star’s namesake – a resplendent male Blue Indian Peacock  whose mating calls became too excruciating for the locals.

Last month, the Advertiser reported how the bird had taken up camp in a housing estate in Woodhouses. Initially a welcome addition to village life, ‘Ashley’ – as he was christened after the Corrie character played by Steven Arnold (right) – quickly became a problem.

Male peacocks have a loud, piercing mating call that has been described as "bloodcurdling", but despite attempts to discourage him, he kept on returning.

After several weeks of being rudely awoken, often as early as 4am, residents called in Oldham Council’s environmental services team. Animal warden Ian Millet and colleagues took great care to humanely capture the bird before escorting him to a new home at Littleborough Animal Sanctuary.

Now surrounded by more than 30 other feathered friends, he is settling in quickly – especially as it means an end to the frustration of unrequited love. Melanie Dunn, manager, said: "As soon as he arrived Ashley was very proudly showing off.  We couldn’t allow him out at first as he had to get used to the idea that this is his new home. When he saw how many lovely ladies are here he quickly decided he was staying put!"

Peacocks are classified as wild animals and – despite the one-time fashion to keep them as exotic garden pets – are not suitable for suburban living.

Ashley will now live out his days in Littleborough unless someone can offer him a suitable alternative new venue.

Melanie said: "Keeping peacocks in a back garden isn’t good for their welfare and it’s sad when we see cases of them having been kept like that and then found roaming. We’ve had calls for help from people who had them in gardens and needed help getting them down from the roof. They always seem amazed how they got there – like they don’t believe they can actually fly.  Most people would buy the male of the species which then gets very frustrated at this time of year looking in vain for a female and making a racket.  If we can find somebody right to take Ashley on we will, but there are strict criteria. They would need a big outdoor living area, about the size of a football pitch, for us to consider them as a potential new home."

Anyone with a suitable home for Ashley can contact Melanie on 01706 371731.