Over the summer, many Clyde Road residents contacted me about the sharp increase in fox activity from damage to gardens and cables, to foxes entering homes, to the noise and fouling affecting daily life. The strength of feeling was clear, and it was important that residents’ concerns were taken seriously.
After raising this with Environmental Services, and also arranging a meeting between residents in the most affected area of the ward and the chief executive of the council, I'm glad that the Council has now taken several practical steps:
A targeted letter drop to around 170 homes on Clyde Road and neighbouring roads whose gardens back onto the street.
Updated Council website guidance with clear, practical advice on how residents can protect their properties and reduce fox activity. Please see here:
A new information sheet for councillors to use at surgeries, ensuring consistent advice for anyone seeking support.
Reinforced messaging on not feeding foxes, securing waste, and humane deterrence methods.
A key point and one that even residents who enjoy seeing foxes can appreciate is that feeding foxes actually harms them. It causes them to lose their natural instincts, become dependent on human food, and grow unusually bold around people. This isn’t good for residents, and it isn’t good for the foxes themselves.
Thank you to everyone who contacted me, shared evidence, and spoke openly about how this was affecting your homes and wellbeing. Your voices directly shaped the action taken.
I’ve attached another letter you can share with in your street WhatsApp group.
Let’s keep working together to make sure our streets remain safe, clean and comfortable for everyone.
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