DO not feed the pigeons — that is the advice being offered by councillors and transport chiefs trying to bring Prestwich’s pest problem under control.
Last year, The Guide reported that pigeons were nesting under two tram bridges near Prestwich Metrolink Station.
The problem was so bad, councillors said, that anyone passing under the bridge was “running the gauntlet” and having to dodge mess from pigeons above them.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), which runs the Metrolink network, put up mesh to deter the pigeons, but the resilient birds have simply moved behind it.
Now, a TfGM spokesman said: “To help us maintain clean and pleasant facilities, we would ask customers not to feed any pigeons and avoid eating or discarding convenience foods on stop platforms.”
Sedgley representative Cllr Alan Quinn added: “Metrolink do take these matters seriously.
“In this case, they put the mesh up and installed spikes to put pigeons off.
“The problem is made worse by the fact that people keep feeding the pigeons. Food is left regularly in Heaton Park and in areas of Prestwich.”
Holyrood representative, Cllr Tim Pickstone, placed the onus on TfGM.
He said: “Metrolink need to ensure the nets they put up are maintained as pigeons can get trapped.
“They need to keep on top of the problem.”
However, one Prestwich shopkeeper, who asked not to be named, took an opposing view.
He said: “I really don’t see what the fuss is all about.
“Pigeons are a part of urban life. They are there as a reminder that we, as a population, throw out enough food to keep them thriving.
“So we either accept that pigeons are here to stay or look at the way we consume food.”
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