Anti-pigeon measures approved after bank warns "aggressive" birds might prompt branch closure

             

Attack mode? Pigeons are "aggressive" to maintenance staff claims bank

BARCLAYS Bank has been given the planning green light to update the pigeon-deterrent system outside its premises in Victoria Street, Grimsby.

Existing netting will be replaced and spikes installed to prevent the birds from roosting or nesting on the ledges.

In a report, bank's agents Stride Treglown says: "The branch has been subject to an infestation of feral pigeons, roosting on the building’s roof ledges, depositing waste on to the brickwork, stairwell and plant machinery as well as the hard landscaping around the branch. 

"The holes and breaks in the existing netting are also causing birds to be trapped, potentially leading to suffering, injury or death of the animal."

"The waste is unsightly and presents a slip hazard to customers, staff and other pedestrians, and a risk to health and safety. 

"This is particularly of concern on the emergency escape stairs, which if unsafe to use due to bird waste, would impact on the risk assessment of the bank, and cause the bank to close if safe escape routes cannot be maintained."

The report continues: "Similarly birds interfering with the plant at the rear of the branch through waste, nest materials and feather deposits - or by aggressive behaviour toward maintenance staff -  jeopardises the operation of the bank.

"Where bird waste builds up, the parasites and bacteria that thrive on bird waste can migrate into the building and pose a further risk to human health.

"Bird waste is acidic. Continued exposure of the building and plant machinery to the waste can cause corrosion and staining."

The bank's application did not go before North East Lincolnshire Council's planning committee but was determined by case officer Emily Davidson under delegated powers.

In response to comments from a resident that the birds brought personality and cheerfulness to the town centre, she responded: "The application does not seek to harm any animals, nor destroy nests, and there are various other areas which birds can utilise in the area.

She added: "At present there is no policy requirement for planning  applications to include biodiversity gain."                                        

The bank in Victoria Street, Grimsby, is a Listed building