A council tenant claimed today she was in danger of being evicted because of her foul-mouthed parrot, Sparky.

Housing officers in York have given mother-of-three Paula Bedford an ultimatum about her "persistent and serious noise nuisance and anti-social behaviour".

But despite Sparky's expletives coming to the attention of city council investigators, they say the African grey's activities are just a secondary issue compared with the other problems the 35-year-old has caused her neighbours.

Ms Bedford said the parrot, which actually belongs to her lodger, is fond of phrases like "show us your knickers" as well as expletives.

She told The Press paper: "I feel like I'm being hounded out and that this is some sort of vendetta."

"I don't think Sparky is being a nuisance, but the officer told me they had received complaints about the noise."

She added: "I don't think anyone else would get evicted because of a parrot."

A City of York Council spokeswoman, said: "Due to her previous behaviour, Ms Bedford's tenancy was changed from a secure tenancy to a demoted tenancy.

"This means that if she fails to comply with the council's guidelines concerning tenants' behaviour within the next 12 months, she will be evicted.

"This decision was taken as a result of persistent and serious noise nuisance and anti-social behaviour which made the lives of Ms Bedford's neighbours a misery over a number of years.

"This included loud music being played at all times of the day and night, loud domestic arguments, lots of visitors coming and going from the houses, and lots of door slamming.

"As part of the demoted tenancy order, a council officer will visit the property at intervals throughout the 12-month period to ensure that the property is being kept in good order and that Ms Bedford's behaviour is acceptable.

"It was during a recent visit by an officer that new concerns relating to the noise made by the parrot were first raised."

http://www.24dash.com/socialhousing/16034.htm

A GREY parrot with a penchant for turning the air blue has got her neighbours in a flap - and her owner threatened with eviction.

Sparky, an African grey, has been known to squawk out a string of expletives, along with rude comments such as, "show us your knickers".

Mother-of-three Paula Bedford said City of York Council had threatened to evict her family because of noise complaints by neighbours over the unruly bird.

She has now been forced to move Sparky from her favourite perch by the fire into a back room.

The parrot, which belongs to Ms Bedford's lodger and lifelong friend, Vinnie James, also trots out children's nursery rhymes such as Pop Goes The Weasel and mimics the sound of a knocking door and a ringing telephone.

Ms Bedford, 35, of Chapelfields in York, has branded claims that Sparky is a nuisance as "ridiculous".
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She has already had a case brought against her at York County Court following accusations of anti-social behaviour, including noise nuisance.

The court ruled that she be moved onto a 'demoted tenancy' after the case, which means she must stay out of trouble or risk being evicted.

"I feel like I'm being hounded out and that this is some sort of vendetta," she said.

"I don't think Sparky is being a nuisance, but the officer told me they had received complaints about the noise.

"She is a lot of fun and only swears occasionally.

"I don't think anyone else would get evicted because of a parrot."

Mr James, who has owned Sparky for 15 years, said: "She always says "peek a boo" and "show us your knickers" and you can also have conversations with her. I haven't been teaching her swear words."

A spokeswoman for City of York Council said: "Due to her previous behaviour, Ms Bedford's tenancy has been changed from a secure tenancy to a demoted tenancy.

"This means that if she fails to comply with the council's guidelines concerning tenants' behaviour within the next 12 months, she will be evicted.

"I can confirm that the parrot issue was discussed with Ms Bedford at the review meeting held at her home."

http://snipurl.com/1937j

That is ridiculous!! Like the neighbors NEVER swear themselves?

Poor Sparky!

My Pearl is a rehome and he came to me with a potty mouth. He gets quite loud and swears while he attacks his toys. I sure glad that he doesn't talk when there are non-family members around.