<p>Angry residents have blasted "cruel" developers who have covered one of the UK’s oldest urban hedgerows in nets to keep birds out during peak nesting season.</p><p>Developers Ling Homes have netted the 100-year-old hedgerow before they rip it out to widen a road next to an exclusive gated community of 11 luxury homes.</p><p>The move is thought to be because, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is unlawful for them to cut down hedges containing nesting birds.</p><p>Dudley Council have demanded the hedgerow is removed to make way for a road-widening scheme next to a newly built luxury estate in Halesowen, West Mids.</p><p>The Copper Beech development on Bundle Hill consists of 11 large 3-5 bedroom detached homes costing around £400,000 each.</p><p>Residents have reacted with fury after the large anti-bird nets were hauled over the 560ft long hedgerow which grows opposite the estate's gated entrance.</p>
