Nelson’s pigeon peril

Since the Printworks building was razed to the ground some of the town’s pigeons have nowhere to roost.

But Coun Mohammed Iqbal said the birds are still homing to the site and settling on top of the 3B Systems building nearby.

He said the council has a duty to tackle the problem as it took the decision to demolish the birds’ former home.

Town hall chiefs confirmed it had received a complaint about the birds and are now ‘looking into’ ways of helping the firm.

Coun Iqbal said staff at 3B Systems which is based in the former baptist church in Carr Road contacted him about the problem.

The building, which is part of The Technology Centre, is next to where the Printworks stood.

According to Coun Iqbal, the homeless pigeons are creating a lot of mess.

He said: “It’s really bad. It’s all over the pavement outside and in the courtyard.

"They power wash it but a couple of days later it’s back.

“Prior to the Printworks being knocked down there was no problem. The pigeons have just found the nearest building.

“Most places in the town centre have netting up. The council should make a contribution of at least 50 per cent.”

Coun Iqbal, Labour leader in Pendle, said a contractor quoted £2,500 to install preventative measures.

He told councillors and council officers about the problem at a meeting of Pendle Council’s Nelson Committee on Monday.

If council bosses do not tackle the problem in the next month he will bid for the cash from the committee’s budget.

Coun Roy Edwards said the demolition of the Regent Picturedrome in Leeds Road will leave more pigeons homeless.

And Coun Brian Parker suggested buying five birds of prey to get rid of the pigeons.

Brian Cookson, Pendle Council’s executive director for regeneration, said the council is taking the complaint seriously.

He added: “We understand the problem caused by these feral pigeons and we’re looking into ways we can help the company.”