Swindon Borough Council has urged people to stop feeding pigeons after a large quantity of bird seed was dumped on a town centre pavement.
The council shared photographs showing seed scattered across Regent Street this morning (Wednesday, with officials warning that leaving food for birds can cause problems.
The authority said it can attract larger numbers of pigeons, increase bird fouling and encourage rats and other pests. It also said discarded food can leave public areas looking untidy.
Swindon Borough Council said: “By avoiding feeding pigeons in the town centre, we can all play a part in keeping Swindon clean for everyone.”
The warning prompted significant debate among residents, with some supporting the council’s position and others defending people who feed the birds.
One local man questioned whether scattering bird seed could amount to littering, while another resident said people wanting to feed birds should use a bird table.
But others argued that litter and waste discarded by people presented a greater problem in the town centre.
One person said: “Theres more to worry about in swindon town centre than the poor wildlife being fed surely”
Another added: “For goodness sake, they are birds, not terrorists. All wildlife is straggling at the moment with this hot, dry weather.
“Please don’t criticize kindness. Let’s not blame pigeons for what is wrong with Swindon.”
Other residents raised concerns about the potential impact of feeding pigeons on surrounding properties and public spaces.
A local woman penned: “My brother lives next to someone who feeds pigeons like this.
“She’s a nightmare and has had the council on her so many times. Gardens in the area are covered in pigeon cr@p.
“It’s so irresponsible to do it in a public place too. And unhygienic. People have no common sense.”
