Dudley Council Initiates Anti-Social Behaviour Crackdown to Combat Pigeon Menace
Dudley Council is set to launch a targeted anti-social behaviour crackdown in an effort to resolve a severe pigeon crisis that is plaguing the town centre market. The initiative comes in response to growing concerns over public health risks and environmental degradation caused by the large numbers of birds congregating in the area.
Health Hazards and Financial Concerns
A significant investment of £150,000 was made to create an eating area at Dudley market, but this has inadvertently attracted substantial flocks of pigeons. The birds have left excessive droppings, leading to the area being branded a serious health hazard. During a meeting of the council's Communities and Growth Scrutiny Committee on February 9, it was revealed that the eating area is failing to meet expectations due to this issue.
Councillor Shaukat Ali expressed strong concerns, stating, "There are more pigeons using that than people, it is a health hazard and a risk." He highlighted the inadequacy of current cleaning efforts, noting that pigeon droppings accumulate so rapidly that the area is only clean for two or three days at a time. This situation is particularly troubling for market traders and visitors who must work or dine in these unsanitary conditions.
Root Cause and Council Response
Following the meeting, Councillor Damian Corfield, Dudley's cabinet member for neighbourhoods, identified the primary cause of the problem. He explained that anti-social behaviour, specifically people feeding the pigeons, is attracting the birds to the market area. "People are throwing food on the tables. People think they are doing a good thing by feeding the birds but they are encouraging them," Corfield remarked.
In response, the council plans to implement patrols and install signs warning against feeding the birds. Anyone caught feeding pigeons in the market could face fixed penalty notices issued by council officers, as part of a broader effort to curb the behaviour contributing to the crisis.
Broader Implications for the Community
The pigeon issue has also been linked to wider anti-social behaviour problems in the market. Councillor Ali pointed out that the covered eating area has become a magnet for such activities, including overnight sleeping and gatherings from other parts of the town. This has compounded the challenges faced by market traders and visitors alike.
Councillor David Stanley echoed these concerns during the meeting, describing the pigeon problem as an embarrassment to both the council and the market traders. The new patrols aim not only to address the pigeon blight but also to improve overall safety and cleanliness in the market environment.
Environmental health officials have confirmed the health risks associated with the pigeon droppings, underscoring the urgency of the council's actions. As Dudley Council moves forward with its crackdown, the focus remains on creating a safer, more hygienic space for all users of the town centre market.
