Aldi: Brecon supermarket says resident robin can stay

There was a complaint about the robin after a concerned customer thought it was trapped in the store

A supermarket chain has confirmed a robin which made itself at home in its store is welcome to stay as long as it likes.

The red-breasted bird became a local celebrity in Brecon, Powys, after moving into the town's Aldi.

After online rumours suggested it faced removal - or even extermination - hundreds of shoppers signed a petition to save it.

But Aldi has confirmed the robin will be staying where it is.

Ben Jones, assistant store manager, said: "We have no intention whatsoever of removing the robin.

"Our standpoint on it is the same across the whole company, from the area manager to the store cleaner - nothing is going to happen to the robin.

"It's welcome for as long as it wants."

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The robin first appeared at the store two years ago, leaving each night before returning each morning when staff opened up.

It can often be seen flitting above the heads of customers or perching among the aisles, entertaining shoppers with its song.

Mr Jones added: "He normally comes in through the loading bay doors when we have a delivery, but if not he will literally sit at the trolley bay until we open the doors at eight o'clock.

"It's a lovely thing to come to work to in the morning. Everyone loves him.

"You can usually find him on the specials aisle - he must have an eye for a bargain."

Rumours surfaced in a post on Facebook at the weekend that the bird was to be killed, because "some miserable person objected to him being there".

Shoppers started a petition on Change.org, calling on the store to protect the bird.

But Mr Jones said the store never had any intention of harming the bird.

"It's strictly not true," he said.

The robin first arrived at Aldi in Brecon two years ago

He added there was a customer complaint about the robin, "because somebody thought it was trapped" but that was also false.

"He comes and goes as he pleases ," he said.

Mr Jones said the council has backed the store's standpoint on the situation, and the store has "passed all its environmental health checks so there's no risk to the public".

"All the time he's been here, he's never left any mess," he said.

Wild birds are protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act which makes it illegal to kill, injure or trap them.

Robins are known for being curious and friendly towards humans, and can be intensely territorial.

The RSPCA said it was aware of the petition, adding: "Robins can be quite bold with humans, and it sounds like this one has been enjoying visiting the store freely and is probably enjoying the warmth. It also appears that the robin is able to escape easily as it comes and goes.

"We would be happy to speak with the supermarket if any advice was needed and we'd also remind members of the public not to touch wild birds."

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