FEATHERED visitors are causing a problem at a hospital by not sticking to the normal visiting hours.

Visitors are welcome at the Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough, between 2pm and 4pm and from 6pm to 8pm.

But the birds are getting through the nets which are draped over the courtyards of the main building and intended to keep the creatures out.

Patients have called the News Shopper to report the issue saying birds have managed to get through the netting over one of the courtyards near the cancer ward.

They say they have seen families of wagtails and other birds dying because the netting works like a lobster pot and most of the creatures cannot get back out once they have got in.

A South London Healthcare NHS Trust spokesman said: “The Trust works closely with its private finance initiative partners to ensure all courtyards are kept clear of unwanted birds.

“We do have occasional visits by wagtails, however they are small enough to escape the netting over the courtyards and do not generally cause any problems.

“If pigeons do get trapped in the courtyards, the Trust will trap the pigeons humanely and remove them from the area.

“Patients and visitors should be aware that we monitor the situation regularly.”