Working Together To Tackle Town's Pigeon Problem
4 September 2026
We’re aware of the recent comments and concerns about the condition of Mere Street, particularly the amount of pigeon mess and feathers on the pavements. We understand residents’ frustration and agree that the current situation isn’t where we want it to be.
Following the recent complaints, our team carried out an inspection of Mere Street to look at the issues and identify what needs to be done.
We’ve been using our Billy Goat vacuum to remove feathers from the street, but this equipment is not designed to deal with bird droppings and heavier street debris. A mechanical street sweeper is needed to properly clean the pavements and deal with the problem effectively.
We have contacted South Norfolk Council regarding the lack of street sweeping in the town and are continuing to pursue this.
We’re also speaking with local businesses about keeping their individual frontages clean and tidy. Some businesses are already taking steps to discourage pigeons, including installing deterrents, which is helpful.
However, the sheer number of pigeons in the town means that a coordinated approach is needed. Regular mechanical sweeping, alongside businesses maintaining their frontages and continued efforts to reduce the pigeon population, will all play a part.
We know this is an issue that matters to residents, and we’re working to ensure the right action is taken to improve the appearance of Mere Street and keep it at an appropriate standard.
Thank you for raising your concerns with us. We’ll continue to keep this under review and push for the necessary action.
