Pieces of hate (From York Press)

Pieces of hate

2:18pm Friday 2nd February 2007 in News By Matthew Woodcock

SPARKY the foul-mouthed parrot has been given the bird by council chiefs - after neighbours complained they were sick of her.

Mother-of-three Paula Bedford said council chiefs had threatened to evict her family because of noise complaints over their beloved African grey. She has now been forced to move Sparky from her favourite perch by the fire into a back room.

The parrot, which belongs to Ms Bedford's lodger and lifelong friend, Vinnie James, is known to squawk out a string of expletives, along with rude sayings like "show us your knickers", and children's nursery rhymes like Pop Goes The Weasel.

He also mimics the sound of a knocking door and ringing telephone.

But Ms Bedford, 35, of Chapelfields, York, claims council officers have been "hounding" her and branded claims that Sparky is a nuisance as "ridiculous". The Press previously reported that a case was brought against her at York County Court following accusations of anti-social behaviour, including noise nuisance.

The court ruled that she be moved onto a "demoted tenancy" after the court case, which means she must stay out of trouble or risk being evicted.

"I feel like I'm being hounded out and that this is some sort of vendetta," she said.

"I don't think Sparky is being a nuisance, but the officer told me they had received complaints about the noise. I've now had to move him from her favourite perch by the fire.

"She is a lot of fun and only swears occasionally.

"I don't think anyone else would get evicted because of a parrot."

Vinnie, who has owned Sparky for 15 years, said: "She always says peek a boo' and show us your knickers' and you can also have conversations with her. I haven't been teaching her swear words."

A City of York Council, spokeswoman, said: "Due to her previous behaviour, Ms Bedford's tenancy has been changed from a secure tenancy to a demoted tenancy.

"This means that if she fails to comply with the council's guidelines concerning tenants' behaviour within the next 12 months, she will be evicted.

As part of the demoted tenancy, a council officer will visit the property at intervals throughout the 12 month period to ensure that the property is being kept in good order and that Ms Bedford's behaviour is acceptable.

"I can confirm that the parrot issue was discussed with Ms Bedford at the review meeting held at her home."