A bizarre petition has been set-up to save a “much-loved” squirrel from the hands of pest controllers – after he was reported for hiding nuts in pot plants.
The page, aimed at saving the life of Cyril the squirrel, claims that “someone has called pest control on the friendly squirrel that lives on site”.
Denna Gibbons is behind the petition, she set up on Sunday, to save the little critter that lives in her housing block in Woolwich, south east London.
She said: “He doesn’t harm anyone and is in no way a pest.
“In fact, he brightens a lot of people’s days. So much so, he has been given the name Cyril.
“Cyril is very much part of the community and to lose him would be a great shame.
“Please sign this petition to stop pest control coming.”
So far nearly 500 people have pledged support for the furry fellow.
Commenting on the petition, Courtney Pruce said: “Cyril is so friendly and lovely and you cannot smile when you see him.”
Leila Nabih added: “That poor thing isn’t a pest. It’s one friendly squirrel nothing more nothing less.
“Let him be. He brings joy to the neighbourhood.”
Anthony Coyne, managing director at thinkerdoer studio in Warehouse Court, where the squirrel often hangs out, has branded those alleged to have reported Cyril as “scoundrels”.
He said: “It appears some scoundrels have complained he’s been hiding nuts in their pot plants and want him killed.
“His haters and killers must be stopped, by force if necessary.”
In his bid to save the beloved creature, Anthony shared rumours of Cyril’s mysterious past.
He said: “It is believed he arrived having accidentally been trapped in a Tesco delivery truck and has now made his home here.
“He’s often in the thinkerdoer studio getting a daily fix of his favourite meal hazelnuts.”
Organisers are hoping to rally support before handing the petition to property management service Rendall & Rittner.
Rendall & Rittner have been contacted for a comment.
