Bird feeding banned in several town centres

The new order covers Batley, Dewsbury, Holmfirth, Huddersfield and Ravensthorpe

Bird feeding has been banned in several town centres after a council brought in a series of measures to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Kirklees Council has introduced Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) to ban bird feeding, begging and loitering in Batley, Dewsbury, Holmfirth, Huddersfield and Ravensthorpe.

The regulations were brought in following a review of Kirklees' PSPOs, which found more needed to be done to tackle "emerging" issues and the "changing nature" of anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Amanda Pinnock, cabinet member for communities and environment, said the orders would protect wildlife and make Kirklees safer.

She said: "PSPOs can also contribute to areas feeling safer by restricting street drinking and allowing us to remove individuals that are presenting intimidating behaviour such as catcalling or loitering with intent.

"They also help protect our wildlife by preventing the risks of fire caused by unauthorised barbecues or sky lanterns."

A breach of the orders could lead to a fine or a prosecution, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Pinnock added: "Feedback from the consultation was overwhelmingly in support of these new orders and I would like to thank everyone that took the time to have their say."

Kirklees Council already had PSPOs in place to address dog fouling, fires and barbecues, fireworks, sky lanterns and balloons, keeping dogs on leads, dog exclusion, public urination, defecation and street drinking.

The latest move has been rolled out to tackle bird feeding and loitering, nuisance behaviour and temporary structures such as tents being placed in town centres.

Some of the measures extend to Slaithwaite and Marsden.

A borough-wide PSPO has also been introduced to address the issue of nuisance vehicles – particularly the anti-social use of motorbikes.

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