Framlingham’s feathery resident frustrates neighbours with noisy morning chorus

A noisy cockerel has ruffled feathers in Ed Sheeran's sleepy Suffolk home town, and ended with its very own ASBO.

Rory the cockerel's daily dawn chorus has prompted complaints from some residents in Framlingham, who alerted their local council.

Rory's owner Julie Smith, 56, was served a noise abatement notice ordering her to keep Rory’s crowing down or face losing her beloved pet.

However, more than 126 residents have voiced their support for Julie's feathery friend.

Julie said: "The cars on our street are noisier than Rory.

"I've spoken to my neighbours, and all of them say that once they shut the window, they can't hear a thing – but someone obviously has a problem with him."

Julie, who lives ten minutes from Ed Sheeran's family home, originally received a noise nuisance letter from East Suffolk Council on April 6.

Rory's siren call apparently frustrated a local who complained about the noise to the local authority.

Eight days later, this was followed up by a surprise visit from the council's environmental protection team.

Determined to keep him, Julie has started a campaign on social media opposing the complaint, which has generated substantial support.

Julie, an accounting technician, said: "Framlingham is an old market town, and it is perfectly natural for residents to own poultry and grow their own vegetables.

"I've owned cockerels and hens for 15 years, and it’s since they've developed new houses surrounding my property that I've received complaints.

"The environmental officer who came round wouldn't tell me who specifically complained, just that I needed to keep Rory quiet.

"But the neighbours I've spoken to say they barely hear him with their windows closed.

"It’s frustrating that the council aren't meeting me half way on a solution. I can't afford to build a £500 hen house in my back garden.

"I've rehomed cockerels before in a similar situation, but I refuse to give in this time. I'll be fighting to keep Rory.

“Maybe Ed Sheeran will even get involved in helping spread the word."