The latest twist in the ongoing saga of City Hall's battle against pigeons may see officials go ahead with plans to fine people feeding the birds near Norwich Market.
Labour councillors are calling for Norwich City Council to introduce fixed penalty notices in a bid to stop the creatures being fed within the Lutyens War Memorial Gardens.
The measures are being considered after senior councillors complained pigeon activists have been scattering "industrial amounts" of bird feed at the site near Norwich Market.
City Hall's war on pigeons began last year after it employed hawks to scare off the birds as part of a trial.
Officials say traders and customers at the market have complained pigeons are becoming an increasing nuisance and pose a health risk.
But this had to be scrapped after fans of the bird began feeding them more frequently to encourage them to stay.
The idea of fixed penalty notices has been raised as part of wider plans to rejuvenate the war memorial area, which councillors say has become neglected due to litter and pigeon guano.
In the motion, tabled by Mike Sands, a Labour councillor for Bowthorpe, said: "Concerns have been raised about the appearance and upkeep of the memorial gardens, which can appear neglected due to public use, littering and pigeon guano."
He has called on the Labour administration to "explore the introduction of fixed penalty notices for individuals who, after prior warning, persistently and intentionally feed pigeons with seed or similar food, in order to deter regular feeding that contributes to fouling and damage".
Carli Harper, cabinet member for major projects, said the fines would tackle those "trying to undermine our efforts" to deter the birds.
"There is nothing to stop people from feeding birds in more appropriate places elsewhere in the city," she added.
Similar measures to stop people feeding pigeons are already in place in parts of London, where people can be fined £100 on the spot.
Earlier this month, a woman was arrested and handcuffed in the capital after she refused to stop feeding pigeons.
A group of six police officers and council enforcement workers detained her, with critics complaining it was a heavy-handed response.
Pigeon supporters in Norwich believe they are being unfairly blamed for the failed hawk trial and question whether plans to introduce fines were already being considered.
However, they would support a feeding ban being introduced if the council pursued creating a new home for the pigeons in Chapelfield Gardens, which could become a designated feeding area.
Jenny Coupland, a pro-pigeon campaigner, said: "If the council wants to criminalise pigeon feeders, they should find a compromise.
"Creating a dovecote in Chapelfield Gardens would keep everyone happy. The council should work with nature, not against it.
"People would not want to see hundreds of starving pigeons dying in the city."
Lucy Galvin, leader of the Green opposition group, agreed the pigeon problem needed to be tackled to ensure the war memorial could be rejuvenated. But warned that any action must be humane.
She said: "It's important to look after the war memorial and gardens, to improve them and keep them clean and pleasant for the city.
"Pigeon fouling must be dealt with humanely and we welcome efforts that look after nature as well as our city's heritage."
City councillors will meet on Tuesday (January 27) to discuss the motion.
Read the motion in full below:
This Council NOTES that:
1) The Lutyens War Memorial and its surrounding gardens in the city centre are
a significant civic and historical site, commemorating those who served and
sacrificed in war.
2) Concerns have been raised about the appearance and upkeep of the
memorial gardens, which can appear neglected due to public use, littering and
pigeon guano.
3) The War Memorials Trust has resolved to reimagine the gardens to enhance
their dignity and accessibility, including replanting with symbolic flora such as
rosemary, which is associated with remembrance and grew in abundance at
Gallipoli.
4) Proposals include enhancements to ensure the site reflects a wide range of
service and sacrifice, supported by interpretation suitable for all visitors
5) That the effective management of the memorial gardens requires ongoing
consideration of how visitor behaviours impact the upkeep and condition of
the space.
This Council BELIEVES:
1) That the Lutyens War Memorial precinct should reflect the respect and
remembrance owed to those who served, while remaining a welcoming and
educational space for residents and visitors.
2) That expanding commemoration to include post-WWII conflicts and
peacekeeping missions will ensure broader recognition of service and
sacrifice.
3) That public engagement and subscription can play a meaningful role in
funding and shaping the reimagined space.
4) To consider appropriate management approaches that help reduce
behaviours which negatively affect the condition and presentation of the
gardens
This council RESOLVES:
1) To support the War Memorials Trust vision for the reimagining of the Lutyens
War Memorial Gardens, subject to listed building and planning considerations.
2) To support future efforts to secure public and community funding for the
project.
3) To continue supporting efforts to maintain the cleanliness and upkeep of the
gardens by working in collaboration with relevant heritage, community,
veteran groups and council contractors.
4) To explore ways in which changes to the provisions market can influence the
use of the gardens and control pigeon numbers.
5) To work with the War Memorials Trust, veterans’ groups, and community
stakeholders to ensure the project reflects the values of remembrance,
inclusivity, and civic pride.
6) To ask cabinet to explore the introduction of fixed penalty notices for
individuals who, after prior warning, persistently and intentionally feed pigeons
with seed or similar food, in order to deter regular feeding that contributes to
fouling and damage.
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