People in Boston warned of fines for common act that's having 'detrimental impact' on town
Boston Borough Council has agreed to impose fines on anyone caught feeding wild birds in the town centre, starting early next year. Before proactive enforcement of the £100 fixed penalty notices takes effect on January 1, 2025, a comprehensive public awareness campaign will run from October to December to ensure residents are well informed.
During a meeting on Wednesday, September 25, council leader Anne Dorrian addressed cabinet members, explaining that the proposal to extend the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) followed concerns raised by residents about the damage pigeons were causing to St Botolph’s Church, known as The Stump. The designated areas covered by the PSPO include the Market Place, South Street, around The Stump, Strait Bargate, part of Wide Bargate, the War Memorial, and the Garden of Remembrance.
"The feeding of wild birds in the town centre is leading to damage and fouling of the public realm, its buildings and its heritage sites, and it’s having a detrimental impact on the pavements and street furniture," said Councillor Dorrian, who later explained that it also poses potential health risks to the public.
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"There is currently no law specifically available to stop feeding wild birds, but the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act gives us as a local authority discretion to make a PSPO when there is a particular nuisance or problem."
A public consultation conducted from May 1 to July 31, 2024, revealed that of the 222 residents who responded, 82 per cent believed there was an issue with bird feeding and 86 per cent supported the council taking enforcement action against those feeding the birds. That being said, the independent council leader insisted that a ‘level-headed approach’ was needed, emphasising that no fines can be issued before the end of the awareness campaign.
She added: "We’re not out to creep up behind people and say 'gotcha'."
Portfolio holder for culture, Councillor Sarah Sharpe, supported the proposed extension, stating: "We’re not saying don’t feed the birds, there’s plenty other opportunities to feed the birds out of town. In fact we are the only town in the UK that has eight country parks within five miles."