The town of Diss in Norfolk is facing an ongoing debate over a significant pigeon infestation on its High Street, with Mayor Declan Craggs reporting that previous deterrence efforts have been unsuccessful. According to Craggs, Diss Town Council attempted to manage the congregation of birds on Mere Street using ultrasonic sound emitters and by hiring a falconer with hawks, but neither method produced lasting results.
Craggs has called on local business owners and residents to take responsibility for the town’s appearance by installing spikes and other physical deterrents on building ledges. He also emphasized the importance of stopping the practice of feeding the birds, noting that signs have been erected across the town to discourage the behavior, though the mess persists.
While acknowledging that some residents feel pigeons have a right to share the urban environment, Craggs stated that the council is focusing on maintaining cleanliness rather than pursuing culls. However, the issue has split public opinion. Susan French, 79, who traveled from Long Stratton to visit Diss, argued for “drastic” measures, citing health concerns and comparing the situation unfavorably to conditions in Norwich.
Conversely, other locals expressed sympathy for the birds. Kate, a staff member at Tatters Boutique who asked for her surname to be withheld, described the accumulation of feathers as a “crisis” but questioned where the birds would go if displaced. Tarquin James Cooke, 53, suggested that the public should focus on loving pigeons and their neighbors more.
Robert Goodwin, who has worked at Cannell’s Butchers in Diss for twenty years, observed that the situation had deteriorated over time but praised the council for doing its best with available resources.
The challenge in Diss mirrors a similar struggle faced by Norwich City Council earlier this year. Norwich also hired a falconer and hawk to control its market pigeon population, but the initiative was undermined by opponents who scattered large quantities of bird feed. Other options considered in Norwich included providing contraceptives to the birds, with the council stating it continues to explore humane, long-term management strategies.
Love is the answer. Maybe we should just accept sharing our town with them, like Tarquin suggests?
Norfolk’s having such a tough time with this. Norwich tried falconry too, but feeders sabotaged it. Humans are the real problem.
Ultrasonic devices and falcons failed? I’m skeptical about physical deterrents working if people keep ignoring the signs.
Where exactly are you suggesting they go? You can’t just displace hundreds of birds without a plan.
I fed them once as a kid and now I’m banned? These birds are pests, not pets. Clear them out.