Penny the Peahen causes havoc

5:30pm Monday 6th June 2005

A NEW resident is ruffling a few feathers in Turville and creating concern among residents.

Penny the Peahen, as she is known among villagers, was first spotted in the bluebell woods about two weeks ago but has become a regular visitor to several neighbouring gardens.

Resident Kate Ashbrook said: "I always welcome refugees and gipsies, but Penny is eating the nuts, seeds and breadcrumbs we put out for smaller birds. She's the size of a moderate turkey. Also she makes rather large, messy droppings."

Residents are baffled as to where the mystery bird came from.

"That is the real problem," added Miss Ashbrook. "Obviously she is not a wild bird.

"She walks in the middle of the road and invites an early death. Someone must own her and, we hope, is missing her.

"We'd be glad to hear from them."

Another resident revealed Penny had become something of a minor celebrity in the village.

"She is very pretty and extremely tame so she must be someone's pet," she said.

"I would be sad to see her go because she is lovely and is definitely an attraction for Tur-ville, but someone somewhere must be missing her."

If you own the peahen or know where she comes from contact James Webb at the Free Press on 01494 755071.

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