Ban on people feeding pigeons in town centre

The council said the ban was part of efforts to deter the birds and reduce fouling

Feeding pigeons and other wild birds in a town centre has been banned.

Boston Borough Council has introduced a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), with fines of £100 for anyone caught breaking the rules.

The council said it was part of efforts to deter the birds and reduce fouling.

Historic buildings in the town, including St Botolph's Church, had been blighted by bird poo, officials said.

According to the council, there had been strong public support for the decision, which was taken following a public consultation.

Council leader Anne Dorrian said it was "an important step" in tackling the ongoing issues caused by excessive bird feeding.

“Most importantly, the guano (bird poo) has caused damage to one of the most beautiful buildings in Lincolnshire, St Botolph's, and we simply cannot stand by and do nothing," she said.

Officials at St Botolph's Church said pigeons had become an increasing problem in recent years

St Botolph's parish resources manager Chris Ladner said: "Unfortunately, the acid in the guano produced by wild birds damages the stonework.

"We have recently invested £2.8m in restoring the building. This new measure will help preserve it for many years to come," he added.

Some, including Les Thurlow, 63, agreed with the sentiments.

"They should stop them from feeding the birds. They are vermin at the end of the day, and they do cause a nuisance," he said.

Local residents including David Dennis (left) and Doreen Skipper (right) shared their views on the ban

However, David Dennis, 81, said in his view it was wrong to ban people from feeding birds.

"We've got winter coming along, that's the time the birds are going to struggle," he told the BBC.

Nicola Hanson, 58, said she had mixed views.

"I personally wouldn't come and feed them, but I haven't got an issue with anyone who does," she said.

"I don't see no harm in it but I don't like it when they do fly around."

Meanwhile, Doreen Skipper, 85, said pigeons had co-existed with people for hundreds of years.

"They know to go to humans for food," she said.

"We're complaining about it, but we've caused it," she added.

The council said there would be a public awareness campaign to ensure residents were aware of the order.

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