Campaigner calls for falcon action to deal with pigeon fouling
David Barton first raised the matter of pigeon fouling in 2014 during his provisional town audit
COMMUNITY CAMPAIGNER: David Barton talks to Ben Potter from Birds of Prey Ltd
Submitted by David Barton
A campaigner for the heritage of Southport is proposing that his local
authority launch a falcon handling drive to address a long-standing pigeon-fouling matter that has plagued the town and Sefton region.
Pigeon fouling has been a topical issue in areas with tall well-established buildings, such as those based on Lord Street and other conservation areas, such as Birkdale Village. It has proven and continues to be a great inconvenience to many key economic players including property owners, businesses, residents and tourists.
David first raised the matter of pigeon fouling in 2014 during his provisional town audit. Since then, he has continued to raise the matter at full sessions of the Southport Area Committee and full Sefton Council meetings. His endeavours have also included continued canvassing of the business community, alongside falcon handlers employed during the Open Golf Championship.
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The community campaigner wishes to ultimately see his proposal actioned, but
appreciates that a consultation must be undertaken in the first instance. He states that Southport and the wider Borough should be taking every step possible to achieving as clean and presentable environment for its residents, incumbent &
prospective investors and associated awarding funding grant bodies.
Mr. Barton says: “I am seeking the local community's views with a view to addressing the issue of pigeon fouling along the high street and other areas. Lord Street is a prime target for pigeons which tend to roost and nest in tall buildings and can do untold levels of damage to the historic fabric of these properties.
“Rectifying the damage caused to the fabric of a property by pigeon guano is expensive and, in most cases, avoidable. There are many methods of pigeon control including bird proofing, wire deterrent systems, netting, bird spikes and a large variety of electrical and sonic bird deterrent solutions.
“Given Lord Street's status as a conservation area not all these prescribed measures are appropriate from a conservationist's perspective, so I am advocating for a more subtle yet effective approach consisting of a falcon handler to be deployed to address this issue. Besides preventing regularly tarnished pavements this will also reduce the incidences of trips and falls caused by pigeons that have been reported all year round.
“Pigeon droppings are not only unsightly; their acid content can lead to the
deterioration of soft stone and cause long-term damage to buildings. Nest droppings and feathers block gutters and rainwater pipes causing water damage to buildings. Droppings can lead to hazards on pavements, especially for the elderly.
“Pigeons are capable of lifting loose roof coverings, tiles and battens to gain entry
into roof voids. This can significantly damage the structure by allowing water
penetration, providing the ideal environmental conditions for the growth and
proliferation of wood rotting fungi.
“Pigeons also cause a public nuisance, as they can pester for food. Around public and buildings of historic and touristic interest further problems can arise as the visitors start feeding pigeons. If unchecked, their numbers will increase dramatically, leading to extensive faeces and fouling. Action to curb the effects of pigeons may also encourage more investment into the retail sector across the high street, especially along the central cross-section which coincidentally has consecutive units that have been vacant since 2013.
“Whilst measures such as plastic hawks may provide some interim management for the situation this will ultimately cease to work and indeed may actually only last for a far shorter length of time than planned. It is important that we take the best action possible which has been tried and tested and would give incumbent retailers and new interested big names a reason why they should choose our Victorian Coastal town.”
