Call for pigeon pest controller

1 February 2013 Last updated at 23:02 ET

A pigeon pest controller is needed to keep Peterborough clear of droppings, a city councillor has said.

Independent John Fox said: "The birds are all over the place and everything's covered in poo. The steps of the beautiful guildhall are ruined by it."

He called on the council to employ a pest controller to deal with the birds.

A spokesman said: "Like many other councils we have no policy to control or cull pigeons." He encouraged people not to feed the birds.

Mr Fox said: "This city is trying to encourage a European cafe culture, but that's not going to happen as things are.

"There are four big flocks of feral pigeons and they are becoming a pest.

"They would go back to the rural areas if people would stop feeding them. Right now, they seem to prefer to come here for a sandwich."

He said he planned to talk to the council about the possibility of asking businesses to "chip in" and employ a pest controller for Peterborough.

Paul Phillipson, executive director of operations for the city council, said: "Pigeons are common to every town and city in the UK and Peterborough is no exception."

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Call for pigeon pest controller