FEATHERS have flown at a Bury bird hospital where the founder has been banned.

Irena Zalasiewicz, who started the Greenmount Wild Bird Hospital in the Kirklees Valley more than 20 years ago, has been ordered to stay away.

Now friends and supporters are to use Tuesday's AGM to try to oust the committee and reinstate Mrs Zalasiewicz.

The support group is led by Mr Higham Russell of Millet Street, Bury, pictured with Mrs Zalasiewicz outside the sanctuary.

He has written to hundreds of people - some as far away as Devon - asking them to sign limited Power of Attorney, giving him the right to vote on their behalf.

Said Mr Russell: "Mrs Zalasiewicz has dedicated her life to the bird hospital and many people believe she was wrongly expelled. If people have supported the sanctuary and paid their contributions, they should be allowed to have their say."

Mrs Zalasiewicz, who now relies on friends and volunteers to bring her news of the birds she once cared for, added: "I'd be happy to go down and help where I can. But the committee tell me I can't even stand on the public footpath.

"I miss my birds terribly."

But long-time supporter of the bird hospital, Mr Peter Wright, claims Mrs Zalasiewicz's return could sound its death knell.

"If she is reinstated I will send a petition to the Charity Commission asking them to close the bird hospital," he threatened.

He says that since Mrs Zalasiewicz's removal, the site has been made brighter and injured birds have recovered in a better, cleaner environment.

Vice-chairman of the committee, Mrs Kath Common, added: "All I can say is that we have the welfare of the charity and the birds at heart."

Tuesday's annual general meeting will be held at the Canon Lewis Hall in Longsight Road, Holcombe Brook, at 8.30pm. Anyone who has paid their annual subscription is entitled to vote.

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