FENLAND District Council has come up with a real hoot of an idea that has proved to be a real hit at tackling the problem created by the hundreds of pigeons who roost on the roof of Fenland Hall. The pigeons cause many thousands of pounds of damage each

FENLAND District Council has come up with a real 'hoot' of an idea that has proved to be a real hit at tackling the problem created by the hundreds of pigeons who roost on the roof of Fenland Hall.

The pigeons cause many thousands of pounds of damage each year to the roof tiles and guttering on the Fenland Hall site - but not any more!

For just £25, the council's Property Services Team has hit on the ideal way to humanely scare off the pigeons.

They bought a life sized plastic replica eagle owl and two smaller plastic owls and positioned them on the roof.

The effect has been dramatic. Gone are the hundreds of pigeons whose droppings caused so much damage.

Pigeons were frequently seen lined up on the apex of the Fenland Hall roof, much to the irritation of council managers.

The very lifelike plastic replicas have successfully driven off the flocks of pigeons - so far.

The sight of potential predators has scared them off. The owls have also created a bit of a stir with people on the ground, many of whom thought they were real.

Cllr Mac Cotterell, portfolio holder responsible for council property assets, said: "Putting fake owls on the roof is an inspired solution to the perennial pigeon problem.

"The pigeons cause thousands of pounds of damage to Fenland Hall each year and for just £25 we might have hit on an effective way of deterring them. It is working very effectively so far and long may it continue.