JERSEY Water is appealing for the return of signs which have been “ripped down and taken” from Queen’s Valley reservoir less than 24 hours after being installed.
The signage, which was put in place earlier this week, asked the public not to feed wildlife at the reservoir because of the potentially negative impact it can have on the environment, public health and water quality.
A statement from Jersey Water said that while the signs were “quite playful in nature”, concerned members of the public had contacted the company to request that signs be put up.
People have been feeding birds and other animals with food that is not suitable for the natural ecosystem, which has been attracting vermin to the reservoir, the statement said.
Terry Gasnier, Jersey Water’s facilities manager, said: “We are disappointed that the signage has been ripped out and taken less than 24 hours after we put it up. Before we take further action and contact the police, we are asking for it to be returned.”
He further explained: “While we know visitors have only good intentions when feeding the wildlife, it sadly causes more harm than good. Giving wild birds and animals food that we eat upsets nature’s balance and disrupts their natural feeding habits.
“Leftover food also attracts increased numbers of rats and other vermin to the reservoir, which poses a contamination risk to water quality and public health.
“We absolutely want people to enjoy the natural beauty of our reservoirs, but to do so without interfering with the wildlife, natural environment and water quality.”
Jersey Water is asking the person or people who took the signs to return them as soon as possible to avoid further action being taken.
Anyone with information about the missing signs can contact the company’s customer services team on 707300.
