NESTING grey squirrels which brought time to a standstill in Ashbrittle were destroyed after a misunderstanding, the RSPCA said this week.

The village’s church clock had stopped after clock winders discovered the drey immediately beneath the pendulum and were unable to wind the mechanism until it was removed after speaking with the RSPCA.

But, the charity said it was against the killing or taking of any wildlife and it did not consider any animals ‘vermin’.

A spokesperson said: “The law classifies grey squirrels as ‘invasive alien species’.

“This means it is illegal to relocate grey squirrels.

“Unfortunately, it appears the advice has been misunderstood.

“We also explain there are a range of options to humanely deter grey squirrels from places where they may not be welcome.”