Proposals to clampdown on the feeding of wild birds in Boston town centre – including through the use of fines – have been given the go-ahead.

A new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) has been approved by the cabinet of Boston Borough Council to address the issue in designated areas of Boston town centre.

The decision was made following a public consultation and feedback from the council’s environment and performance committee.

The PSPO aims to reduce ‘the negative impact of excessive bird feeding, which has caused damage to local infrastructure, buildings, the public realm, and the heritage of Boston’, a spokesman for the council has said.

A pigeon in Boston town centre, flying near the Herbert Ingram Memorial, with others sat on the Grade II listed, former Barclays building.

placeholder image — A pigeon in Boston town centre, flying near the Herbert Ingram Memorial, with others sat on the Grade II listed, former Barclays building.

“The council received strong public support for the initiative, with 82 per cent of respondents recognising a problem with bird feeding in certain areas and 86 per cent supporting enforcement measures,” they continued, adding: “Notably, 91 per cent of participants in the consultation either live, work, or study in the town.”

Coun Anne Dorrian, leader of the council, said: "We are committed to maintaining a clean and welcoming environment for residents, businesses, and visitors to Boston. This new PSPO is an important step in tackling the ongoing issues caused by excessive bird feeding, which has affected our town’s infrastructure and heritage.

“Most importantly, the guano (bird poo) has caused damage to one of the most beautiful buildings in Lincolnshire, St Botolph's Parish Church, and we simply cannot stand by and do nothing. I would like to reassure residents that there will be an extensive public awareness campaign to ensure that residents know about this new order, and we will take a kindly, educative and informative approach in the early months, rather than a punitive one.

“We have listened to our residents, and it’s clear that there is strong support for these measures. By taking action, we aim to preserve the beauty and character of Boston for everyone to enjoy."

Pigeons having a bite to eat near St Botolph's Church, Boston, before scattering as a cyclist approaches out of shot.

Supporting the measures, parish resources manager Chris Ladner said: “We have recently invested £2.8 million in restoring the building. This new measure will help preserve it for many years to come. Unfortunately, the acid in the guano produced by wild birds damages the stonework.”

The order approved yesterday (Wednesday, September 25), with fixed penalty notices at £100, will ‘enable the council to implement and enforce measures to better protect the town centre’s environment and public spaces’, the spokesman added.