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Marksmen tackle pigeon problem

Paul Britton
22/ 4/2006

PIGEONS at a market in Bolton were shot dead by marksmen using high-powered air rifles in an early morning cull.

The 90-minute licensed cull followed complaints by traders and managers at Farnworth Market about high levels of droppings. A total of 40 birds were shot dead from 6am on Wednesday.

Usually poison or even birds of prey are used to control roosting pigeons. Special nets were also put up at the market to cover its stalls.

But Bolton council said it had no choice but to order a cull as a last resort after the situation worsened.

The council said the cull was carried out with the knowledge of the police to protect the public from health risks associated with bird droppings. It ended at 7.15am - and the council said another one could be necessary. A spokesman said: "It was decided to carry out the operation at 6am on a day when the market was not open to ensure there was no risk to the public or traders. Pest control officers were called in at the request of market management and traders."

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