Pecking order - bid to beat the Royston pigeons

PIGEON pie could be the solution to Royston s pigeon problem, according to a councillor. Cllr F John Smith, leader of North Herts District Council, made the tongue-in-cheek remark at a meeting of the district council s Royston area committee, held last We

PIGEON pie could be the solution to Royston's pigeon problem, according to a councillor.

Cllr F John Smith, leader of North Herts District Council, made the tongue-in-cheek remark at a meeting of the district council's Royston area committee, held last Wednesday, at which councillors discussed ways to control the local pigeon population.

He said: "Pigeon pie used to be quite a favourite dish in the past. With so many eateries in the town I don't see why it shouldn't be on the menu again!"

On a more serious note, Cllr Smith says he believes local businesses have to work with the council to deal with the pigeons, which have caused problems in Royston for a number of years by covering the High Street with their droppings.

Cllr Smith said: "Shopkeepers and companies keep relying on the council, and they have to take some responsibility and help keep their shop fronts clean.

"I want to get rid of the pigeons as quickly as possible."

The district council's community development officer Alan Fleck presented a report to the committee which outlined a number of ways to deal with the pigeons.

This discounted using birth control, birds of prey, or shooting the birds, all of which Mr Fleck described as a "scattergun" approach.

The possibility of installing wires and plastic spikes to deter the birds from roosting in the High Street will be investigated, although the cost of this may have to be borne by businesses themselves, either directly or through the Royston First scheme.

Cllr Doug Drake, Royston's county councillor, said: "The High Street needs cleaning up two or three times a week, and someone needs to take charge.

"Surely we can clear up this mess and take some pride in our town.