Barclays Bank determined to banish 'aggressive' and 'unhealthy' pigeons from its Grimsby branch

                                                                            

Pigeons and doves belong to the same family - they are birds of peace. But the Grimsby branch of Barclays Bank wants rid of them.

LIFE is soon likely to get a whole lot worse for Grimsby's declining population of feral pigeons.

Barclays Bank is seeking  consent to prevent the birds from roosting on the roof ledges of its premises in Victoria Street.

If its application is granted, existing netting will be replaced. Spikes will also be installed.

Say the bank's agents Stride Treglown in a report: "The branch has been subject to an infestation of feral pigeons, roosting on the building’s roof ledges, depositing waste on to the brickwork, stairwell, and plant machinery, as well as the hard landscaping around the branch. 

"The holes and breaks in the existing netting are also causing birds to be trapped, potentially leading to suffering, injury or death of the animal."

"The waste is unsightly and presents a slip hazard to customers, staff and other pedestrians, and a risk to health and safety. 

"This is particularly of concern on the emergency escape stairs, which if unsafe to use due to bird waste, would impact on the risk assessment of the bank, and cause the bank to close if safe escape routes cannot be maintained."

The report continues: "Similarly birds interfering with the plant at the rear of the branch through waste, nest materials and feather deposits - or by aggressive behaviour toward maintenance staff -  jeapordises the operation of the bank.

"Where bird waste builds up, the parasites and bacteria that thrive on bird waste can migrate into the building and pose a further risk to human health.

" Bird waste is acidic. Continued exposure of the building and plant machinery to the waste can cause corrosion and staining."

The Grimsby branch has consulted a specialist vermin contractor who has advised clearance and disinfection of  the area.

Planners are awaiting comments from various consultees, plus the public, before reaching a decision.

                                           

The bank is in Victoria Street, Grimsby

The Grimsby News says: With their quirky ways, pigeons bring personality and humour to town and city centres. They also provide a useful sanitary service in feeding on waste from fast food takeaways. The agent's claims are, at best, exaggerated and, at worse, completely wrong - notably the suggestion that they display "aggressive behaviour" towards branch staff. It is a shame that Barclays is so hostile to such docile and  friendly birds.