Derby's Guildhall clock fault 'not down to pigeon poo', says councillor

The clock has since been repaired

Council leaders said they have "no specific plans" to reduce the pigeon population in Derby after it was initially claimed that birds damaged a historic clock in the city.

It was thought mess left by pigeons behind Derby Guildhall's Grade-II listed clock caused it to break down.

But a councillor told the BBC the clock's fault was not down to pigeons.

Derby City Council chiefs were asked if they planned to "reduce pigeons" in the centre ahead of a meeting this week.

The Labour administration said no such plans were being made by the council.

However, councillor Hardyal Dhindsa, cabinet member for Streetwise, said the authority was looking at ways to "reduce the impact" of the birds in public places, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

He told the BBC: "The clock's break down was due to a motor fault and not pigeon mess."

'Hazardous waste'

The question was raised by opposition Conservative councillor Matthew Eyre, who said he was concerned about the recent development involving the clock at the Market Place.

In response, Mr Dhindsa said: "The Guildhall clock stopped working due to a fault with the motor and has now been repaired.

"However, we were not able to undertake the repairs until pigeon guano had been removed, as it is classified as hazardous waste.

"There are no specific plans in place to reduce the number of pigeons in the city centre. The council is seeking to reduce the impact of pigeons particularly around the River Gardens by discouraging the leaving of food for birds which can attract both pigeons and rats."

The Guildhall was originally built in 1730 before being rebuilt in 1828.

A fire in 1841 meant it had to be rebuilt for a third time, with the latest development including the clock tower.