Traders’ health warning over problem pigeons
Council urges stallholders to ensure town centre area is cleared of rubbish
HEALTH chiefs are sending warning letters to street traders over Hungerford’s town centre pigeon problem.
West Berkshire Council’s Public Protection Partnership (PPP) fired off the memo as part of the ongoing battle against infestation.
The PPP also warned of unannounced visits to enforce compliance.
The letters state: “We are also writing to highlight the conditions attached to the [licencing] consent, particularly in relation to litter and food debris.
“A trader shall provide such number of litter receptacles in the area of his vehicle/stall as is specified on the consent.
“At the cessation of each day’s trading the licence holder shall ensure that the area surrounding the van/trailer etc is cleared of all food, rubbish, wrappings etc.
“This rubbish must not be placed in any council refuse bins, particularly in lay-bys.”
It goes on: “There is an issue with pigeons in the centre of Hungerford – a cause for concern both for the town council and local residents.
“In view of the issue, PPP officers may be making unannounced inspections of the area.
“Please make sure that whilst you are trading every attempt is made to keep the area clear of
any litter and that no food debris is dropped that will attract the pigeons.”
Meanwhile, in an update on the problem he presented to the town council’s highways and transport committee, town councillor John Downe wrote: “The pattern of infestation is always puzzling to me.
“For example, the duck feeding point on the canal is often blamed for food scraps attracting pigeons and yet that area is remarkably free of issues until you get to Dods.
“Also, the pigeons appear to have a strong preference for the
west side of the High Street – although prevention measures in the past may have re-educated them.
“Once you are in Bridge Street there appears to be little or no problem and south of the Arcade there is nothing much again.
“The fire gel, particularly on WH Smiths and Jade Bailey, continues to do a good job.”
Fire gel is invisible to the human eye but, to pigeons, appears to be glowing red hot and thus acts as a deterrent.
Mr Downe said that, since last July, spikes have been added to perching places at the Nationwide
Building Society, “which has made a big difference to the mess on the steps and pavement at the front”.
Network Rail has added spikes on most of the over-pavement girders which appears to have reduced perching and nesting opportunities.
Meanwhile, netting has been added at Eliane’s and The Hungerford Bookshop.
However, added Mr Downe: “This has highlighted an issue with Crown Passage at the dry cleaner shop and building. We need to highlight the problem to the owners.
“The Royal Mail building is much better after our prompting, but the BT cabinet on the pavement is badly soiled.
“There are also issues with the Town Hall and porch area [and] The Kitchenmonger now has a nest site built on top of the recent netting over the shop window.
“In fact several of the High Street buildings, particularly on the west side, south of the canal, create a very poor impression as one enters the High Street due to basic maintenance as well as the pigeons on Dods.”
The town council has contacted a pigeon protection charity to investigate the possibility of providing pigeon proofing free of charge to the worstaffected shops.