A petition backed by 187 people has urged the public to stop feeding the pigeons in Deal’s town centre.

Dover District Council released the strong message last week, which said that feeding the birds bread, cakes and buns can actually do more harm than good.

The statement said: “Wild birds are natural scavengers, and find their own food sources.

“The size of a flock depends on the amount of food available.

“If the food supply is reduced, the flock will reduce. The birds will not die of starvation, but will simply breed less often.”

The petition which was started by Sean Gabb, of Middle Street, who previously told the Mercury that traders are struggling with the financial cost of cleaning up the mess the birds leave behind.

It was presented to DDC in October last year and asked the authority to take action because of health concerns and the effect it has on buildings and the generic appearance of the town.

The scrutiny committee considered it in December and again in February.

Scrutiny recommendations included carrying out an education campaign, and appointing a specialist contractor to look into the issues.

The recommendations were agreed by cabinet last week.

Posters will be distributed and the environmental team will be working with the community to pass on appropriate advice.

This may be rolled out to other towns in the district with similar problems.

Cllr Trevor Bartlett, cabinet member for public protection said: “Feeding garden birds at home is a pleasurable experience, but feeding larger birds like gulls and pigeons in our towns can result in vermin, build-up of droppings and damage to buildings, and can be harmful to the birds themselves.

“We would advise people to stop feeding the pigeons in Deal Town Centre to address issues the community has raised with us.”