Bad news for Grimsby's pigeons as Barclays Bank applies to council to install perilous anti-roost bird netting

 

War on pigeons - there are already anti-perching spikes on the bank's window ledges

BARCLAYS Bank is keen to install anti-pigeon netting on its property in Grimsby's Top Town. 

The bank wants to banish the street pigeons that roost to the rear of its premises on Victoria Street.

Says Milly Warner, of its agents, Stride Tregown Ltd: "The branch has been subject to an infestation of feral pigeons, roosting above the site and being active at the rear escape route.

"This is leading to a build-up of fouling on the roosting areas. 

"Deterring birds from roosting on the building and clearing and disinfecting the area will serve to preserve the building fabric as well as the surrounding hard landscaping." 

She continues: "Public health benefits will also result from the removal of bird fouling from the site.

"Build-up of bird waste can cause parasites and bacteria to migrate into the building which can cause internal damage that leads to water ingress. 

"Many Listed buildings suffer significant damage to the historic fabric of the structure due to water ingress."

Ms Warner goes on: "The proposed bird netting is of very limited visual impact on the building due the discreet location of its installation to the rear of the building. 

"The method of installation is as low impact as can be whilst remaining effective. 

"Effective and professional management of vermin will ensure the longevity of the fabric of the listed building for years to come."

The proposal is under consideration by North East Lincolnshire Council.

However, not everyone supports the initiative.

This is partly because birds frequently get caught in netting, often resulting in death from exhaustion and starvation in their struggle to escape.

The remains of a perished bird in netting installed at the side of the Specsavers shop which is next door to Barclays  in Grimsby

The Wryneck says:  To use terms such as 'vermin' and 'infestation' is to demonise the pigeons. They may not be as beautiful as swans, nor sing like nightingales, but these birds add life and personality to town centres. If Barclays is concerned about waste, all it has to do is get out a bucket and sponge. The bank's proposal is mean-spirited and, if approved by the council, may have potentially cruel consequences. It should be withdrawn forthwith.