A CONTROVERSIAL sculpture should pose no harm to our feathered friends, says the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

The charity spoke after Edward Bird, a licensed swan ringer and volunteer at Bishop’s Wood Swan Rescue, said the wall-mounted sculpture planned for the former TJ’s pub in Broad Street, Worcester, will be a death trap for birds if given the go-ahead by planners.

He fears that birds, including the city’s beloved peregrine falcons, will be attracted to the reflective stainless steel dish design and fly directly into the wall, killing themselves.

The RSPB, however, doubted that the sculpture would pose any threat at all.

Louise Pedersen, spokesman for the charity, said: “Judging from the mock-up that shows the sculpture I don’t think it’s going to pose any problems for birds in the city centre. There are quite a few windows in the immediate area already.

“I don’t think there is any reason to fear that the peregrines will collide with the sculpture. They tend to fly high up in the sky and are not attracted to enclosed areas in city centres so near to the ground.”

The work of art, said to be influenced by Royal Worcester Porcelain, would replace the mural of a wizard which was on the side of the grade two listed building.

It was painted over as part of the refurbishement of CrownGate shopping centre.

The sculpture, which consists of 37 bronze birds and a concave stainless steel dish, has met with mixed reviews.

Some people have described it as fresh and modern, while others have complained that gulls will roost on it and create a mess on the pavement.

Mr Bird said: “Nobody seems to have taken into consideration that with a reflective surface on the side of a building, especially if it is surrounded by models of birds, we are going to have birds flying into the wall and killing themselves.

“Birds won’t see it as a mirror. They’ll see it as a tunnel; a continuation of the sky. And it’s going to attract all types of birds, not just pigeons and gulls. The city’s peregrines hunt in the area and they will be in danger too, especially if they come in on a swoop.”

Mr Bird suggested that the reflective dish be replaced with a painting of the sky.

A decision about the plans is expected next month.