A New Forest couple are to appeal against a High Court order to dispose of 250 birds that have been creating a noise nightmare for neighbours.

People complained bitterly to New Forest Council about the screeching of macaws, kookaburras and parakeets in the garden of the couple's property at Highfield Close, Sway.

The council took the couple to the High Court because they failed to comply with abatement notices served in June 2002.

As reported in yesterday's Daily Echo, Mr Justice Laddie granted an injunction requiring Tony Ward, 51, and his partner Sarah Moore, 37, to stop the nuisance within two weeks and get rid of the aviaries by August.

Roofer Mr Ward told the Daily Echo: "We're going to appeal. We want to stay here until September. After September they can do what they like."

The couple have bought a five-acre plot elsewhere in the Forest and want to build a home on it with agricultural occupancy rights.

A builder wants to buy their current council house and construct another property in the rear garden with access on to Durrant Way.

"It's the same people moaning about the plans as are moaning about the birds," claimed Mr Ward, who keeps the birds as a hobby.

He said it would be impossible to find new homes for his collection by the July 5 deadline.

"We'll have to see what happens with the appeal. We're not holding our breath either way at the moment. We're seeing what the solicitors and the council come up with first.

"We realise it's not the ideal position to be here, where we are, but if we had to get rid of everything like the council propose we would never get the money back to re-buy them.

"I agree it's rather large, but it's a private collection and I want to keep it. It's very valuable."