Reader Letter: When are Norwich City Council going to start protecting us from the feral pigeons?

Once again it would appear that Norwich City Council is keeping its head firmly below the parapet on the feral pigeon issue, and in doing so failing miserably in its duty of care to protect the public from these disease-ridden flying rats.

The problem, however, could be so easily rectified if the council had the fortitude to adopt the government's guidelines set out in Natural England's General Licence, which clearly statesin its heading: 'To kill or take certain species of wild birds to preserve public health or public safety'.

The feral pigeon Columba Livia is listed as a species for such control measures.

Sadly, an element appears to exist within the council which fails to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation – 'The Fluffy, Bunny and Bambi Brigade.'

Cage trapping and flock reduction is by far the most efficient and total solution.

Nest destruction, proofing,and scaring with a hawk (which merely moves the problem into another locality) are no more than token measures.

Perhaps the council is waiting to be sued by someone who has contracted salmonella, tuberculosis or campylobacter from the pigeons in the city before deciding to take action.

Having walked through the market stalls only last week, and witnessed the amount of droppings in evidence, I have every sympathy for the traders.

Malcom Mellor, Letheringsett, Holt