Defeated by the council

i’ve lived near the seaside at the same address for 25 years. i’m a disabled pensioner whose pleasure in life is feeding the birds visiting my enclosed garden. My aim is always to feed the small birds — sparrows, robins, blue tits and sometimes timid jackdaws that turn up.

i’m a law-abiding person who has never been in any trouble throughout my life, but i have now, unfortunately, fallen foul of Conwy Council’s rules on feeding birds, especially seagulls.

My difficulty is that when feeding the small birds, as encouraged by the RSPB, it’s inevitable that larger birds, such as seagulls, join in. i have no control over which birds turn up.

seagulls’ habitat has been virtually destroyed by over- fishing and pollution caused by humans.

i was served with a notice stating that i was to cease feeding the birds and that should i ignore it i could face prosecution.

as i wasn’t aware of it being against the law to feed birds in my private garden, i ignored the notice. i was summoned to appear at the magistrates’ court, where i pleaded ‘not guilty’.

as a pensioner, with no savings, i couldn’t afford a solicitor and tried to represent myself as best i could. To make sure they got a conviction and make an example of me, the council employed a barrister.

i was found guilty of ignoring the notice and, together with costs, i was ordered to pay nearly £1,200 over two years. This is a draconian penalty.

What a sad day for bird-loving people who happen to live in rhos-on-sea, Colwyn Bay. Why do local councils have powers that let them penalise residents over such trivial matters? BRENDA HAWKINS, Colwyn Bay, Conwy.