THE MAN behind an online petition calling for action to be taken against nuisance peacocks and peahens plaguing a village has complained about a spoof petition set up on same site.

Graham Bridge launched, Peacocks Making Villagers’ Life a Misery, on change.org following complaints of the birds roaming loose in the streets and gardens, causing “mayhem, noise, fouling and damage to property” including scratched cars in Ushaw Moor, near Durham.

Following news of his campaign, which gained nationwide coverage after it was revealed in The Northern Echo, a rival petition has been set up entitled Graham Bridge making Peacocks Lives a Misery.

Parodying his original petition, it says: “For more than six years peacocks in Ushaw Moor (a former pit village in County Durham) have had Graham Bridge roaming loose in the streets and gardens causing mayhem.

“This includes fouling, best described as a green sticky substance difficult to get rid of (especially on our peacock carpets!), damage to property with his sharp nails, scratching our nests by pecking at his own reflection and hurting his sense of humour in the process.

“He is regularly seen on house roof tops especially at night where he sometimes stays till morning.

Mr Bridge said: “I can see the funny side of it. But I have complained to change.org and asked them to take it down, because it's done as if it is my name - as though I've started my own petition again, which makes it ludicrous."

Residents claim the birds come from nearby riding stables – but the stables owners say the birds flew in about 15 years ago and do not belong to them.

Meanwhile, an online poll, publicised on the Deerness Valley Facebook page, has 95 per cent backing for the peacocks and peahens to stay, with more than 160 people voting.

Some residents have expressed their admiration for the beautiful birds.

Pamela Zanetti wrote : "They most certainly should stay, they are stunning creatures so beautiful and make me smile every time I see them."

Durham County Council's environmental health department is investigating.