"eric" wrote in message
...
just had chimney swept after suspected bird nest (none found) ... sweep
has
a "roofer friend"
who fits simple bird guards for £60 ... I suspect that's £50 for fitting
and
£10 for guard...
(push fit conical type made out of thick wire )


They are known as wire balloons and are available from all builders
merchants for about £7.50 + v.a.t.

Wire balloons come in different sizes e.g. 8", 9", etc., so either
guestimate the internal diameter of your chimney pot or ask at the merchants
what is the most common size in your area. The wire legs are just stuffed
down the inside of the chimney pot to retain the balloon in place.

Alternatively there are slotted pressed metal flue terminals especially for
gas fires which replace the actual chimney pot. These are secured by a
clamping plate which is cemented onto the top of the chimney stack and cost
approx £15.

Shorty