A wildlife rescue volunteer has voiced opposition to proposals that would prohibit feeding birds in the town centre.

Worthing Borough Council wants to introduce a Public Space Protection Order to address escalating issues stemming from wildlife feeding in the town centre.

If the order receives approval, individuals could face penalties of up to £1,000 for feeding wildlife.

The council says the proposals respond to worries about fouling, property damage and birds harassing members of the public for sustenance. A public consultation is currently taking place, with a deadline of Wednesday, March 25.

Justin King, a bird rescuer from Brighton, has operated a small volunteer organisation for several years, concentrating specifically on gulls and their young.

King believes the order would establish a harmful precedent that would damage both wildlife and those who care for them.

He expressed concern that the measures would impact anyone working in wildlife rescue. He questioned how enforcement would function when significant problems like potholes, homelessness, litter and illegal dumping already exist. He suggested local authorities have overlooked these pressing matters. He asked where such targeting of wildlife would end and what would happen to elderly residents who have fed birds throughout their lives, such as a 90-year-old person whose primary pleasure comes from feeding the birds. He questioned how the situation would be managed and whether police involvement was anticipated.

King pointed to the importance of pigeons, which served as vital high-speed battlefield couriers during the world wars.

He stated many birds would starve, though some might manage to move elsewhere. Those already unwell would face increased illness and death rates. He noted the wildlife sector was already struggling and unable to accommodate more animals, adding that his home was already full of birds last year. He said considerable anger existed within the wildlife community and felt wildlife was being unfairly targeted unnecessarily.

He also expressed concern that prosecuting individuals for feeding wildlife would add to already lengthy court caseloads.

Billy Elliott, senior animal rescue officer at Wadars in Worthing, stated that any prohibition risked harming Herring Gulls, which are already listed as endangered worldwide. He noted that a previous bird-feeding ban at Brooklands Park proved ineffective and responsible feeding is now supported there.

A spokesperson for Sussex Wildlife Trust stated that careful supplementary feeding contributes meaningfully to supporting nature, including garden birds and hedgehogs.

However, the spokesperson cautioned that dense, unregulated feeding in town centres can generate conditions detrimental to wildlife, such as reliance on food provided by humans, alterations to natural behaviour and large bird gatherings that may compromise their long-term welfare.

A Worthing Borough Council spokesperson indicated the authority wanted community input before making any determination on the potential order. The spokesperson said all residents could contribute their opinions, experiences and worries through the public consultation, which ends on Wednesday, March 25.

When the proposals were unveiled, Councillor Rosey Whorlow, Worthing’s cabinet member for equalities, inclusion and community safety, stated that while many people provide food to wildlife with good intentions, uncontrolled feeding in the town centre can produce unexpected effects for animals and the broader community. She noted an increase in nuisance behaviour, waste and sanitation issues connected to this matter in recent years and said the council wanted to hear public opinion on a proposed order that could help improve conditions. She said the goal was ensuring Worthing stays a clean, safe and inviting town centre for all while also safeguarding the long-term wellbeing of local wildlife. She urged residents to participate and share their views before any decision is made.