A huge flock of pigeons has taken over part of a Birmingham park causing huge problems due to people feeding them bread, rice and chapatis.
The issue has divided residents in Sparkhill, some of whom like to feed them while others are concerned about rats being attracted to the food, diseases and damage caused by the birds roosting on nearby rooftops.
It's been described as a 'cultural problem' in the area because people of certain faiths do not like excess food to go to waste. People have even put out two make-shift bird baths in the form of tubs with water in them.
The pigeons can be seen on a daily basis congregating at Sparkhill Park particularly at the corner near the junction of Court Road and Showell Green Lane where large chunks of food are left on the pavement.
They can even been seen clearly on Google Street View.
When startled they fly off in a reverberating clap to a building on the opposite side of the street, which houses several homes and a butchery.
Birmingham City Council has installed signs asking people not to feed them.
The authority warns the food can attract vermin while the pigeons themselves can carry Salmonellosis and Ornithosis (a mild form of Psittacosis.)
Cllr Nicky Brennan (Lab, Sparkhill) said: "After parking and bins, this is what I get the most complaints about. I must get at least 20 emails a week.
"People are leaving bread, rice and chapatis down.
"The problem is it attracts rats. It's just dirty.
Birmingham animals
"You also get the birds pooing on the houses. Moms like to bring their kids to the park but they get frightened by them.
"There is a debate between residents. Some think it is ruining the park, others like to feed them. They either hate them or want to feed them.
"Kids in inner city areas deserve clean green open spaces to play so it’s important they want to come and enjoy coming to the park."
Mustefa Ghulam runs the nearby butchery and the neighbouring building where the pigeons roost on the roofs.
He said: "It's been going on years. It's a new building. The faeces are corrosive and it's going to eat into the roof. It's horrible.
"If I ever have to sell the building it's going to cost me a lot of money in repairs."
While locals on the the Sparkhill Neighbourhood Facebook group were divided on the matter.
Gul Khan said: "It's more a cultural problem and seen as an act of charity religiously.
"When there is left over food like rice/bread/chappatis etc people feel that it is bad to waste it by throwing it away so it is kept aside to feed the pigeons in the park.
"It is done by people (not me) I believe with good intention but of course this has led to other problems like vermin and pests coming in the area and litter etc."
Shahida Chughtai concurred and said: "People need to be educated that they are doing more harm than good.
"Pigeons carry infection, food left in parks attracts rats and increases more infection so they are doing more harm than good."
Some called on the council to fine culprits feeding them.
But not everyone believes they are a problem.
John Gardiner said: "To be honest pigeons behave much more respectfully than most of the people that live there.
"Keep the pigeons if you ask me. They're more welcome. Low crime, no disrespect, happy and chirpy, just want a meal, no abuse, no parking illegally, don't kill each other, and cause less mess, what's wrong?"
