Wildlife shot with catapults in Orpington; Post Office closure feared

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 12:32 · Archive

Parakeets and other wildlife are being shot with catapults in Orpington's Priory Gardens in a series of attacks described as cruel and completely unacceptable. A local official has called on the government to introduce licensing for catapults to help prevent them being used to harm animals, but ministers have so far refused to act.

Local police are carrying out patrols, stop and searches, and taking action against those responsible. However, their powers under the current law are limited. The official is speaking to the police and the council about what more can be done locally and continuing to press the government to take the issue seriously.

The planned closure of TG Jones on Orpington High Street is also raising concerns about the future of the Post Office counter inside the store. The official has met with Post Office representatives to discuss keeping these vital services in the town centre, particularly for older residents and those with limited mobility. Several local businesses have offered space for a possible replacement counter.

How it is being reported

• Tackling wildlife crime and protecting local post office servicesParakeets and wildlife shot with catapults in Orpington’s Priory Gardens as calls grow for licensing; TG Jones closure threatens the town’s Post Office counter.News Shopper · 16 Oct, 12:05
• Tackling wildlife crime and protecting local post office servicesParakeets and wildlife shot with catapults in Orpington’s Priory Gardens as calls grow for licensing; TG Jones closure threatens the town’s Post Office counter.This Is Local London · 16 Oct, 12:05

In this story: Orpington · Priory Gardens · Orpington High Street · TG Jones · Post Office

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem