PIGEONS in Oswestry have ruffled residents’ feathers as they continue to “lay waste” to the town centre.
The “pigeon-problem” has always been evident, but a recent straw poll shows the dilemma is steadily increasing as more and more pigeons flock to the town – meaning more droppings.
Pigeons have always been a sight associated with busy towns, but the number of pigeons per head in Oswestry is becoming a problem, not least for local businesses.
Festival Square has seen the worst of the problems, with swarms of pigeons plaguing the area.
Ken Malcolm, who owns popular pet store, Pet World, says he may be responsible for supplying the feed that attracts pigeons, but insists his store is not the cause for the increase in droppings: “There will be people buying my pigeon food, but the vast majority of them will take it home.
“There are too many pigeons here,” he added.
The issue could potentially become a serious one. At a recent council meeting, councillors agreed with the need to repair and replace the pigeon nets around the town.
Town Clerk, David Preston, said: “We recognise we have this problem and it has had a considerable impact in Festival Square where plants have been eaten. We’ll support any invitation towards curing the problem.”
Pigeon droppings, if left unchecked, could harbour diseases that cause blindness.
Residents are being urged to feed the birds elsewhere, preferably in the local parks.