Volunteers at a wildlife centre are getting into a flap thanks to over zealous residents bringing them hundreds of fledglings.

An RSPCA visitor left the Benfleet Wildlife Sanctuary, in Watlington Road, was astounded after six birds were dropped off in less than half an hour.

One volunteer has found herself looking after 20 birds at home after the sanctuary ran out of space.

Owner Veronica Mepham admitted the situation could not continue.

She said: "We're getting completely overwhelmed by birds. People mean well but they are being over zealous.

"They see a fledgling on the ground and it seems they bring it straight to us when in actual fact all they need to do is pick it up and put it on a branch, or keep the cat indoors while its mum and dad sort it out."

Published Thursday July 22, 2004

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