Arson Attack - Gateshead

[Guest]

Ive taken the below from the UNC website, to give a wider viewing etc.

 

 

 

 

Pigeons killed in lofts fire May 4 2006

 

By Linda Richards, The Evening Chronicle

 

Pigeon fanciers were left shocked today after the latest arson attack on one of their lofts.

 

More than 50 pigeons perished in last night's blaze at the allotment site belonging to Highfield Homing Society in Felling, Gateshead.

 

Shortly after 9.30pm, flames ripped through one of the lofts perched on an area known as The Bankies, near Sunderland Road.

 

Most of the pigeons belonging to fancier John Divine died from the effects of smoke as they huddled in their boxes.

 

 

 

 

The blaze is the latest attack on the site, which is vulnerable after a security fence was vandalised and wood from it stolen.

 

 

 

Last December, two crees were torched and more than 200 pigeons killed. And in August 2004, 20 pigeons were snatched from crees.

 

 

 

As the police investigation gets under way today to find those responsible, society secretary Bob Walden spoke of members' shock.

 

 

 

He said: "We have to get the message across that the lads who do this hobby are being exterminated one by one. It is a hobby, a life's passion. It's a dying hobby but to lose pigeons in these circumstances is horrific.

 

 

 

"The initial reaction is wanting to give up. It is up to us to find a way and the words to tell John that this is not the end and that he can start again."

 

 

 

He estimates the cost of replacing the loft and birds at between £4,000 and £5,000 and appealed to fanciers around the region to come to John's help by donating pigeons so he can start again.

 

 

 

The cost of replacing the loft is the society's and he also appealed for donations of the necessary materials.

 

 

 

Society members are campaigning for a new security fence. In the 1980s and 90s, the society had up to 40 crees but now has just 15.

 

 

 

It is hoped the society can win funding to create a landscaped compound for up to 20 lofts on the site, surrounded by a high security fence.

 

 

 

Mr Walden is in talks with Gateshead Council and with Pathfinder consultants in the hope the work will be included in regeneration plans for the area.

 

 

 

He said: "The whole thing hinges on security. With a security fence in place, it will reduce the chance of this happening again.

 

 

 

"People are not prepared to climb a six or seven-feet security fence to get in."

 

 

 

Pigeon fancier Ken Stephenson, 56, from Old Fold, who also has a cree on the site, looks after John's pigeons.

 

 

 

He said: "Something like this sends shockwaves around the society.

 

 

 

"The site is completely open plan, we desperately need better security."

 

 

 

To donate pigeons or materials, contact Mr Walden on (0191) 421 6418

 

[Guest]

Shelbin,

 

Yet another great tragedy, plese convey my condolences to all who are involved.

 

Is there any chance that you could apply to the Lottery for the cost of the fencing to make the Crees safe

 

[jordanp31]

i have just started the hobby and i love my birds! even though i do not race i just keep my birds as pets. I cant believe that people can kill them just for fun??? people who do this kind of thing are sad...

 

 

jordan

[Guest]

Sorry to hear about this latest attack.

 

Very much agree with the security aspect and seeking funds to have it done.

 

Posted elsewhere that maybe pigeon clubs should be lobbying local (borough) councils to provide fully serviced allotments, including security patrols from the neighbourhood warden schemes.

[Diamond dave]

More like animals themselves Jordan.

[AlanWilkins]

well i helped gary n tommy out when they got burnt out if you need any thing gis a shout

[Guest]

this is so sad to hear. :-( tell the lads to keep their heads up and not let them beat them

[jimmy white]

very sorry to here all this,but if its any consolation i would breed ybs now if it would help, and possibly get some stock birds, if anyone needed them  it really needs a high security fence built round it as it will happen again   [hope not]

[Guest]

There are a few allotment gardens locally, that have had security fence put up by the council, so hopefully Gateshead council will get their act together. At my local gardens the council have supplied a security gate, but the lads are too lazy to shut/lock it on a night. I just hope these people are caught and a serious sentence given as they are ruining the sport. If it happened to me I dont think I could carry on racing after all the preparation that goes into getting a team together.

[Guest]

There are a few allotment gardens locally, that have had security fence put up by the council, so hopefully Gateshead council will get their act together. At my local gardens the council have supplied a security gate, but the lads are too lazy to shut/lock it on a night. I just hope these people are caught and a serious sentence given as they are ruining the sport. If it happened to me I dont think I could carry on racing after all the preparation that goes into getting a team together.

 

 

Would hope that you speak to these lazy b*stards Sbelbin, not that they should need a talking-to after what's happened at Gateshead. Imagine would take it even worse if it happened (1) in a hi-security compound and (2) because others couldn't be *rsed to lock-up properly after themselves.