FERAL pigeons are a pest. The proposal to establish a feeding area away from the town centre is preposterous and will certainly do nothing to reduce the pigeon population and the damage that is caused by these birds. These pigeons enjoy being around human

FERAL pigeons are a pest. The proposal to establish a feeding area away from the town centre is preposterous and will certainly do nothing to reduce the pigeon population and the damage that is caused by these birds.

These pigeons enjoy being around humans. People feed them directly and indirectly. Feral pigeons enjoy the warmth and protection that buildings give them. Just see the damage they cause to masonry and guttering - the detritus they produce is foul and disease-carrying.

They enjoy sunning themselves in the sunshine on the convenient roof of Wilkinsons - for example, 76 of them the other day at 8am. This is only one flock of many.

The real answer to the problem is annual culling. You can never completely obliterate all the feral pigeons - but you can certainly reduce their population considerably.

At present, nothing is being done - except suggesting that money is thrown at a scheme that will not work. The pigeon population continues to increase year on year (breeding), and absolutely nothing is being done to curtail it.

A proper well-organised culling programme can be easily arranged - it should not be noticed by the general public and can be carried out quietly, efficiently and humanely.

In the meantime, please let it be known that these feral pigeons cause tremendous damage to our environment and cost all businesses dearly.

JAMES R PARKER

Layton Crescent

Brampton

THANKS for the great story on pigeons (October 25). The points are valid as to why the centre doesn't want the pigeons: the risk of disease (over 60 different transmissible diseases are associated with birds and their droppings), mess, slips and falls, high cost of cleaning and repair and of course the property devaluation.

We like the fact that the intention is to control them without harm to them or the environment. We encourage the decision-makers to think about treating the problem, not just the symptoms. Encouraging pigeons to feed elsewhere will not necessarily reduce the attractiveness of the original location. The key to a long-term solution is making the area undesirable.

We might suggest spiked needle strips, netting, sticky non-toxic anti-roost gels and more, like those available at www.bird-x.com. This has the benefit of solving the problem at the source, and yet not harming the birds.

MONA ZEMSKY

Bird-X Inc

ChicagoUSA

ONE question. Who is going to pay if this goes ahead for these birds to be relocated? Isn't there something else that £5,000 - £10,000 could be spent on? What about donating it to Hinchingbrooke Hospital or providing youth activities? Or Huntingdon Town Centre Partnership could provide some form of shelter for when it rains.

Moving pigeons - what a laugh. It brightened up my day reading it!

Ms R ALLEN

Dryden Close

St Ives