Deal struck after bird lover fined £100 for feeding swans at Coventry park

Michael Rennie was told he was "depositing litter" by feeding the birds

Ben Eccleston

16:00, 17 FEB 2017

A compromise has been struck between a pensioner and council chiefs after he was fined £100 for feeding swans.

Police were called after Michael Rennie was handed two penalty notices for feeding the birds at Quinton Park, in Cheylesmore.

He was told his actions constituted “depositing litter” and was handed two £50 fines.

Mr Rennie originally refused to give his details to the Coventry City Council employee after he asked her for some ID, which was also refused, and police were called.

Officers eventually arrived but West Midlands Police confirmed that no action was taken.

The 63-year-old retired cleaner and driver said he had no intentions to pay the money, but has come to an agreement that he will pay one of the fines, and in return the council will drop the other penalty.

Mr Rennie had took it upon himself to feed the swans after they had started wandering across a busy road searching for food.

On the advice of the RSPB, he began giving them grain and lettuce.

Continued