MP Janet Anderson is crying "fowl" over a decision to move the cockerels from a park's animal pen because they were making too much noise.

Two of the birds were moved after a complaint by Michael and Judith Berry, owners of a home near Whitaker Park, Rawtenstall, that the noisy birds were giving them sleepless nights.

Now Mrs Anderson, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, has written to Rossendale Council saying she reacted to the move with "absolute incredulity".

In a letter to director of community services David Taylor she said: "I am absolutely astonished to learn that the council has removed the cockerels from the pets corner in the park because they have received one complaint.

"I must say I only wish you felt able on some occasions to take such speedy action where my constituents are suffering harassment and disturbance from neighbours."

She said she understood Mr and Mrs Berry moved into their property in Whitaker Green last August.

She asked: "Did they not know about pets corner? Did their solicitors not do a proper search for them? Moreover, surely as Rossendalians who moved from another part of the valley they must have known about the existence of these cockerels. What do they think cockerels do?"

In her letter to the council she also asks: "Could you let me know please what steps you took to monitor this alleged nuisance and what were the findings to persuade you to take such hasty, and in my view, totally unwarranted action?

"Could you also let me know how you intend to explain to the many children who visit the pets corner why they will not be able to see any chicks in the summer, something you must know they all look forward to."

When the council received a diary of noise from the Berrys, who complained of cocks starting to crow at any time from midnight to 4.30am, they ordered two of the cockerels be removed.

But the family then said they were considering asking for the remaining two birds to be removed. The house is about 400 metres from the pets corner. Mr Berry, the managing director of a printing business, said: "I was well aware the pets corner was there but I don't think farm animals like cockerels are pets.

"When you have a month of sleepless nights, being awakened at midnight, three and four in the morning has an affect. I have a daughter at high school at a critical age and she will also be affected. At the end of the day I hope a family is more important that two cockerels."

Mr Berry added: "I didn't investigate the type of pets in the park and neither would you expect a solicitor to do that."

Mr Taylor said: "I will investigate the issues raised by Janet Anderson and reply to her."