Local news – by residents – for residents
Welcome to Hollingdean News. We are a volunteer group of residents keeping our community informed with regular online news posts, and a quarterly newsletter delivered direct to 3000 homes in BN1 7.
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News Headlines
Sick birds could have Avian flu
We have an outbreak of Avian flu in Brighton and Hove which is impacting on our gull population, so take care if you see any sick or dead birds.
The risk of transmission to humans is low, however if you sea dead or sick birds don’t touch them, and keep dogs on a lead and away from them.
Anyone who has been in direct touching contact with sick or dead birds should wash their hands immediately.
Dead birds in a public place
If you find dead wild swans, geese or ducks, gulls or birds of prey are found on public land do not touch or pick up the bird and keep dogs away from them. Report them to the council so they can be disposed of safely:
- request a clean up of a dead bird using our online form, giving location and number and type of bird
- phone 01273 294 756 and leave a message with details
If you find a dead bird your property
A dead bird remains very low risk to humans but do not touch the bird. Where you find any dead wild waterfowl, gulls or birds of prey, on your private property please report them to the DEFRA helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
Depending on the circumstances, they may advise you to follow the Defra advice for the disposal of dead or sick birds or to contact the council.
You will need to contact a pest control service if you want a dead bird removed from a roof or other inaccessible area of your property.
If you find a sick or injured bird
As Brighton & Hove is an area with confirmed bird flu, please do not touch, feed or pick up a sick or injured bird. Do not approach or handle the bird yourself. If you have already touched the bird, please wash your hands immediately, along with any surfaces you may have made contact with.
Please follow the advice from the RSPCA – call the RSPCA on 0300 1234999 for advice.
If you keep poultry or birds
Wash and clean your hands before attending to your bird and keep them housed as much as possible to reduce the risk. Keep a close watch on your birds for any signs of disease and seek prompt advice from your vet if you have any concerns.
How to spot the signs of Avian Influenza (bird flu).
Avian influenza is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect any type of avian influenza in poultry or captive birds you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. Failure to do so is an offence.
When to seek medical advice
Call a GP or NHS 111 if you experience any symptoms of bird flu and have visited an area affected by bird flu in the past 10 days. Your symptoms can be checked over the phone.
Advice will be updated as the situation changes so you can check the latest here.
Air Quality – have your say
Brighton and Hove City Council’s Air Quality Action Plan consultation is open until 10th July, and comments are invited from individual members of the public and groups.
This follows recent consultation on the City Council’s developing Local Transport Plan and Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.
The draft plan covers five priorities:
- Increasing active travel (walking and cycling)
- Encouraging uptake of ultra-low or zero exhaust vehicles
- Improving monitoring and public awareness
- Reducing emissions from buildings and new development
- Work closely our partners.
You can read the draft Air Quality Action Plan and take part in the online consultation here. For paper copies, please email transport.projects@brighton-
You can find out current air quality in Brighton and Hove here.
If concerned about air pollution – you can sign up for alerts when pollution is high here