Residents have resorted to killing most of the birds after their estate came under siege from a growing army of dive bombers.
Five years ago there were only three birds, but they have multiplied to about 30 and are responsible for a trail of damage to cars and homes.
The birds have scratched vehicles, knocked off wing mirrors, wreaked havoc in people’s kitchens, pecked on front doors to demand food, and have even swooped down from rooftops to crash into moving vehicles.
The locals of the residential area of Ellenborough in Maryport, Cumbria, are said to have ‘taken matters into their own hands’.
The Peacocks originally belonged to the Ellen Bank Hotel near Maryport, which closed.
The birds have scratched vehicles, knocked off wing mirrors, wreaked havoc in people’s kitchens, pecked on front doors to demand food, and even swooped down from rooftops to crash into moving vehicles
Three peacocks have died under mysterious circumstances, two after being deliberately hit by cars and another from poisoning
After the closure, three of the birds found their way to Ellenborough and became popular with the locals who named them Romeo, Juliet and Betty.
The trio had their own Facebook page and were welcomed into the community, but the peacock population has increasingly become a problem.
There are now up to 30, including a brood of eight that just hatched from under a boat kept in someone’s yard,
Three peacocks have died under mysterious circumstances, two after reportedly being deliberately hit by cars and another from poisoning.
Now a rescue mission is underway to protect the birds and bring much-needed rest to sleepless families kept awake by their cries.
But the evacuation plan – which involves both the police and the fire brigade – pits neighbor against neighbor.
A petition has been launched to keep the peacocks where they are and was supported by more than 200 people.
But on the other side of the debate, people just want the feathered devils gone.
There are now up to 30, including a brood of eight that just hatched from under a boat kept in someone’s yard
Father Luke Pearson, 26, a concrete plant worker, said his new VW Passat hammered.
Luke said, ‘I only bought it six months ago and it’s already covered in nicks and scratches.
“They come and sit on it and scratch it with their claws and the male birds see their reflection in it and think it’s another male so peck at them
“They literally fight with themselves, but the only damage is to the car.
“The other day I was taking my son to school when one of the peacocks took off from a roof, dove between two houses and crashed into the side of the car.
‘Only at moments like these do you realize how big they are.
“They’re annoying and need to go.”
Another homeowner said he and his family are having sleepless nights.
The Peacocks originally belonged to the Ellen Bank Hotel near Maryport, which closed
He said, ‘I get up at 5 am and my wife works night shifts. We are both devastated as the peacocks are perched on our roofs screeching at each other through the night.
‘Then the seagulls get involved because they think the peacocks are attacking their nests. It’s like living in an aviary.
“Recently, my daughter opened her curtains and was confronted by a peacock sitting on her windowsill. It was quite a shock to her.
“As time went on, they got more used to being around people and now they have no fear at all.
‘I’ve seen seven of them walking the streets in a small gang. You start to wonder if they’re thinking of robbing someone.’
Another neighbor said her TV antenna had been dislodged by a peacock and a nine-year-old girl had scratches on her leg when she accidentally disturbed one of the birds in her garden.
Kathryn Roberts, 31, is a fan of the peacocks, though they often disrupt her day by knocking on the front door.
She said, ‘They come over and peck in the door asking for food. I’m one of those on the estate who likes to feed them, so I don’t mind.
Grocery store worker Dawn Charlton, 59, pictured, has launched a ‘Red Maryport’s Peacocks’ petition, signed by 259 people so far
‘Their favorite is Cheerios, I always have a pack ready for when they come over. They’re very confident.’
Down the street, 31-year-old Dawn Smith is also a fan, but admits: ‘They came into my kitchen once and jumped on the counter, smashing a plate.
“I don’t care, I love them and I think they should stay. They’re part of Ellenborough life.’
Supermarket worker Dawn Charlton, 59, has launched a ‘Red Maryport’s Peacocks’ petition, which has so far been signed by 259 people.
Dawn said, “It pits people against each other, but I don’t care, the peacocks are beautiful and they’re part of this community.
“This is their home, they have never known anything else and they bring joy to so many people, especially those who are housebound and love to watch them.
“There’s a group of bored housewives who have nothing better to do and are complaining and wanting them removed, which is totally unnecessary.
“We’ve even had reports of people deliberately driving up to them and killing them and that’s just outrageous. The birds must stay and this plan to remove them must be scrapped.’
Mel James, owner of the animal shelter, coordinates the rescue mission.
She said, “I have been in contact with several stately homes and other open spaces around the country who would like to take the birds.
“Getting them there is a big logistical exercise because they are not easy to catch. That means road closures and help from the police and fire brigade.
“It’s the safety of the birds because they’ve been killed after being hit by cars and unfortunately people have taken matters into their own hands in some cases.”
“I got three birds that are all dead. Two were killed by cars that were seen to have deliberately driven into them and another was foaming at the mouth and clearly poisoned.
“It’s a suburban residential area and while many people love it, it’s not the place for peacocks to roam freely.”
A Cumberland Council spokesman said: ‘Cumberland Council has received some complaints from local residents about the behavior of some free-roaming peacocks in the Maryport area and our agents are currently working with other agencies to investigate these reports and gather information. .’