The Purley Village Blog

Original Message posted 26th Feb 2010 by David Olivo

Purley Pigeon Infestation

As a Purley resident for 30 years, who has been is slow and gradual decline. I am very pleased to hear that the council is finally pumping some money into the area for improvements. I also think that the idea of a 'heart' to Purley around the High street/Brighton road junction is a good idea. However, this area (the benches in front of blockbuster) is currently infested by hundreds of pigeons. I've witnessed a number of people feeding them (which is illegal) and hence why they stay.
My question is, will anything be done to remove them from the area? As, having a nice new zone to the town, will be no good if it's blighted by flocks of pigeon and all the problems they bring with them.
I find this issue particularly frustrating, as I live in a top floor flat on the Brighton road, where the pigeons choose to make their home and defecate all over my roof terrace.
Can anyone please help!

Reply posted 1st Mar 2010 by Neil Spellings

Feeding not illegal

Feeding feral pigeons is only illegal when taking place in boroughs that have applied to Natural England (the government quango that administers the licenses). At present I'm only aware of Westminster council having done so, so it's down residents' common sense not feed these flying rats!

Reply posted 2nd Mar 2010 by David Olivo

Common sense isn't common

I stand corrected. It doesn't look like feeding pigeons is illegal. However, there was a lady from South London who was sent to prison in a extreme situation of pigeon feeding.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/jail-for-the-pigeon-lady-of-penge-1316975.html
Unfortunately, it only takes a few people with no common sense, who feed the pigeons and they are here to stay.
I myself have challenged an elderly lady, who appears to regularly come to the benches outside Blockbuster to feed the pigeons vast quantities of bread crumbs. On asking her why she does it, I received the reply, 'because I like to'.
Could the council at least put up some signs, in an attempt to deter a small minority of selfish individuals who are attracting this birds to our town?