Nationwide Building Society has clarified the legal reasons behind its decision to keep scaffolding in place outside one of its branches, following the arrival of an unexpected feathered visitor.
Maintenance work at the Beccles branch had required scaffolding to be erected on the front of the building. Although the work has now been completed, the scaffolding remains because a local pigeon, affectionately named 'Pidge' by staff, built a nest among the metal framework.
The society has placed a poster outside the branch to inform customers of the situation. It reads: "We're staying put. And so is our pigeon. We're open as usual. The scaffolding's staying a little longer as a pigeon has made itself at home."
When asked about their policy regarding birds taking up residence at branches, Nationwide pointed to legal protections under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This act makes it an offence to take, damage, or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built.
Government guidance notes that exemptions may apply in exceptional cases, such as developments with planning permission, and licences can be obtained from Natural England if birds cause problems. However, Nationwide has chosen to let Pidge stay.
A spokesperson for Nationwide said: "'Pidge', as we've come to call her, snuck in during maintenance at our Beccles branch a few weeks ago and has been nesting in the scaffolding ever since. That left us with one option - let her stay and reopen to customers. So, while Pidge builds her nest and raises her chicks, we're helping customers build their own nest eggs."
The spokesperson added: "We've even put up a poster explaining that Pidge is 'staying put' – just like our Beccles branch. But we'll be sad when she flies the nest - she's part of the team now, toilet training aside."
