Councillors to discuss nuisance birds

Town Councillors will discuss a motion presented by Cllr Chris Jones on what to do about the growing problem of bird nuisance in the town centre.

Next week, the Town Council's Environment and Economy Committee will be debating an issue that has ruffled feathers among Newtown's town center and business community.

The issue at hand? The growing problem of bird nuisance, primarily caused by nesting gulls and pigeons, which is affecting the livelihoods of local residents and business owners.

Town Councillor, Chris Jones has spearheaded this motion, bringing to light the troubling impact of nuisance birds on the town's economy and environment. In particular, three individuals have stepped forward to share their experiences with bird-related challenges: a town center employer, a hospitality business owner, and a landlord.

One of the most alarming issues raised is the frequent attacks by gulls on employees as they enter and exit buildings. The safety and well-being of workers are at risk due to these aggressive encounters. Furthermore, pigeons have been making unwelcome visits to various premises, leaving a mess in their wake. This not only tarnishes the aesthetic appeal of the town but also increases the risk of disease transmission.

According to the background of the motion, Cllr Jones writes:

"Discussions with these complainants have been positive, there is an awareness that there is little money to address this issue at a Town or County level and an understanding that a solution is most likely to be found by businesses, landlords and NLTC working together."

Cllr Jones has proposed that the newly formed Town Partnership might have a go at solving this issue, by recommending it has a suitable project for discussion.

The motion is replicated below:

“This committee, recognising the impact bird nuisance may have to both the environment and the economy of our town centre, votes to enable the concerned parties to find a solution to the bird problem by recommending it as a suitable project for the proposed Town Partnership.”