A shopping centre in Romford has removed Christmas decorations from trees lining its car park after concerns were raised over their impact on sparrows.

The Brewery confirmed work to take down the red tinsel and lights was completed on Saturday (November 26).

The move follows complaints after sparrows were seen trying to land and perch on the branches and twigs, which were encased in the decorations. 

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Bird conservationist Hannah Bourne-Taylor tweeted the shopping centre requesting the decorations be removed.

This Is Local London: The trees had been covered in tinsel and lightsThe trees had been covered in tinsel and lights (Image: Asiya Mehboob/Pixabay)

After they were taken down, Hannah told the Recorder: "This story is the perfect example of how we can easily negatively affect our wild neighbours, and also just as easily support them.

"I hope other companies and places with Christmas decorations are mindful of the nature on their doorsteps like The Brewery has been."

A spokesperson for the shopping centre previously said the trees "are no longer to be decorated, for the benefit of our local wildlife, specifically sparrows and starlings, which we do sincerely care about".

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