'Pigeons are not vermin, they're very intelligent'

North East Lincolnshire Council says it wants to change the public image of pigeons

A council is trying to change the public image of pigeons by saying they are "brilliant, loyal and deeply misunderstood".

It is part of a drive by North East Lincolnshire Council to promote the area's coastline and nature reserves.

The authority has launched a social media campaign called "Beek Peek" and has asked people to share their photos of the birds.

New coastal ranger Josh Forrester, whose role has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, said: "They're not vermin, they're actually incredibly intelligent."

Coastal ranger Josh Forrester is working to promote the area's wildlife and nature reserves

He added: "They're also really beautiful.

"They're so variable in their colourings. You see the glossy purple and blue feathers around their necks, they are really pretty."

Last month, the City of Lincoln Council installed a net and rounded spikes to stop birds from nesting at the bus station.

In Hull, signs are going to be put up asking people not to feed the birds in a city centre square.

However, North East Lincolnshire Council is taking a different approach.

Mr Forrester said: "There's nothing that we do to actively discourage them, as a council. We are very wildlife positive.

"Changing our behaviour would be the best way to stop pigeons from being there.

"If people see them as a nuisance, then what can we do to discourage them from being there?

"Maybe we're not as tidy as we could be in towns, so littering occurs. It's a natural food source for pigeons."

Len Coleman says town squares are "not the best place" for pigeons

Not everyone is a fan of pigeons.

Henry, who works at the boat hire kiosk at Cleethorpes Boating Lake, said: "They get in the way.

"All they do is just poo, and we have to clean it up."

However, Len Coleman, who was visiting the lake with his family, believes there is a place for them.

He said: "In the town squares, it's probably not the best place for them, but in the trees, they're really nice. So there's a place for them."