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Pigeon-proof council wins bird man's praise
AN internationally recognised pigeon control advisory service has applauded Alnwick District Council for its proposal to introduce a pigeon-proofing grant.
Alnwick and Amble have been plagued by the pests for a number of years, with the birds' droppings being both an eyesore and a health hazard.
At an operations, scrutiny and overview committee last month a possible 10,000 grant to support property owners experiencing problems was considered.
It was also agreed to continue to support non-lethal methods of controlling pigeons throughout the district, which the council has done since 2003.
And PiCAS UK, part of the PiCAS group, which has worked with the council since 2003 using non-lethal methods, has congratulated the possible grant scheme, branding the council as "one of the most forward thinking in Europe."
Guy Merchant, founder of the PiCAS group, said: "Alnwick District Council deserve a round of applause and need a big pat on the back.
"It is one of the most enlightened councils in the UK and has made a brave decision to support a wholly non-lethal and holistic regime.
"The decision by the operations scrutiny and overview committee to consider a system of grants for property owners is one that is applauded and supported by PiCAS UK."
Although some property owners have experienced entrenched pigeon-related problems in Alnwick, in reality the numbers of pigeons roosting, breeding and feeding in the town centre is relatively small, certainly compared to many similarly sized towns in the UK.
But if property owners can be persuaded to be proactive by protecting their properties with the added incentive of a grant from the district council, complaints about pigeons should fall dramatically.
PiCAS UK has already offered to oversee the process on behalf of the council.
Mr Merchant added: "If more local authorities in the UK followed the example of Alnwick District Council pigeon-related problems in UK towns and cities, and indeed the perception of those problems, would reduce dramatically.
"Alnwick District Council is one of only a handful of UK councils to adopt a humane but effective stance where this issue is concerned and we wish them every success in their endeavours."
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Weather for Northumberland
Friday 25 May 2012
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