Calls for Brighton fountain to be turned off after seagulls died

Justin King said that he had been called to Brighton’s Victoria Fountain multiple times a day to rescue the seaside birds after they had become trapped in its waters.

So far he has saved nearly 30 birds from the fountain in a matter of days - with 16 still living in his Saltdean home.

"It's a death trap," Justin said. "The pressure on the fountain is too great.

"I have been there three times a day saving birds.

Read more: Saltdean man opens seagulls hospital in his home

"I got into the fountain with a net on a pole. Two birds were taken out dead and another died in my arms.

“They are not vermin – these birds are a quintessential part of the seaside and they are being failed.”

A picture of Justin King with a seagull taken after a previous rescue

Justin said that seagulls had been dipping themselves under the fountain to cool off in the current hot weather, causing their wings and feathers to become over-saturated with water.

This means that they are unable to escape the Grade II Listed fountain, causing them to drown.

The water in the basin of the fountain was filled with feathers at the time of writing.

Herring gulls such as those found in Brighton are considered endangered and are on the UK Conservation red list.

Victoria Fountain had previously been turned off for a number of years from 2020 due to long-standing restoration works which saw it removed from the Old Steine for some time.

Councillor Mitchie Alexander, acting Cabinet member for Culture, Heritage and Tourism, said: “We are concerned over reports of fledging gulls experiencing problems in the Victoria Fountain and are acting fast to take steps to reduce any risk to the birds.

“We have amended the fountain’s operating times to include regular periods where the cascading water is switched off, allowing the gulls’ wings to dry so they can fly off and will now monitor the situation and see what impact this has.

“While we are committed to protecting the city’s heritage and allowing residents and visitors to continue to enjoy this much-loved fountain, we will look to reduce any risk to gulls as much as is practically possible.

“We would also politely remind residents of the RSPCB’s advice not to feed gulls, particularly close to the fountain, and would strongly recommend members of the public do not risk their own safety by entering the fountain to try and remove birds.”

Justin started a sanctuary for fledglings and injured seagulls after many rescue centres stopped taking them in over avian flu fears.

Volunteers like Justin are providing round-the-clock care for birds that might otherwise have to be put down by vets.