COUNCILLORS have voted on a strategy to tackle Knutsford town centre’s pigeon problem, dismissing an idea of a cull.

The item was brought before the environment committee in a bid to deal with flock size – and resultant droppings – in Church View and surrounding buildings.

Skirting over an option of lethal control, which was dubbed expensive and short-term, members voted to install post and wall-mounted dovecotes, facilitating the removal and destruction of eggs in order to reduce flock size.

A report by town council administrative assistant Sarah Morgan said: “Dovecotes can be used as a way of moving pigeons away from the problem area, offering the opportunity to remove eggs from the nests, therefore reducing the number of young birds.

"The eggs are replaced with dummy eggs so the pigeons don’t know there has been any interference.”

Cllr Julian Goodrich said: “This solution fits in with Knutsford as a town. I think it’s probably the best solution long term alongside reducing food supply.”

Cllr Simon Hutchence added: “The prospect of lethal control seems to be very expensive and ultimately futile – you get rid of one set of pigeons and they will be replaced by another set.

"Public awareness and signs with regards to food supply, particularly on The Moor, will be very worthwhile.”

Councillors voted to budget £2,600 for two post-mounted dovecotes and one wall-mounted.

Locations are not yet decided. One suggestion is The Moor, although this has yet to be discussed with Friends of the Moor or Ansa.

Link councillor James Power will advance discussions and draft a letter to schools.

The assets and operations committee will discuss the cleaning of pigeon droppings.