COULD electric shocks, birds of prey or gel which burns like chilli be the answer to Witham’s pigeon problem?

Witham Town Council called in experts from Rentokil to hear options for shooing the growing numbers of birds, and their droppings, away from buildings in the town centre.

Solutions ranged from netting, electrical bird deterrents, special gel with an active ingredient found in chillis to “burn” pigeons feet and culling, as a last resort.

The idea of feeding pigeons contraceptives mixed with grain was also put forward.

See this week's Witham Times for the full story.