Tamworth Regional Council manager of environment and health Ross Briggs said the endangered grey-headed flying fox species had flocked to a previous camp near the footbridge in Bicentennial Park. 

It is believed the bats formerly occupied that site about 10 years ago.

While the bats have spread, many remain in the King George V Ave area by the Peel River, continuing to distress residents and businesses.

Mr Briggs said the bats appeared “highly agitated” yesterday and predicted some locals had taken it upon themselves to shift the bats by making loud noises. 

“We can’t do anything about them ... they’re smelly and noisy, but we just have to put up with them at the moment,” Mr Briggs said. 

“Residents can still go out to enjoy their activities in the park under the usual precautions – don’t touch the bats if they appear to be dead, sick or injured.

“We are looking at what we can try and do to remove them, to protect the asset (Bicentennial Park).

“We don’t know what is happening at this stage ... we’re still working on a management plan.”

He said wheels were continuing to turn on a community awareness campaign to dispel health myths about the bats, as well as the collection of historical data to determine where bats previously resided in the area. 

A meeting between the council, residents and stakeholders will be held by the end of July, by which time Mr Briggs expects the education campaign will be launched and a community survey will be ready to roll out.

“There are no health risks associated with them flying around in trees, any more than a flock of birds,” Mr Briggs said.

If locals held concerns, he suggested they contact the Office of Environment and Heritage or visit www.health.nsw.gov.au