Moves to outlaw the feeding of pigeons in Hounslow have sparked a mixed response, with some cooing at the idea and others spitting feathers.
A borough-wide ban on the practice was proposed last Tuesday (September 16) by Councillor Richard Foote, Hounslow Council's cabinet member for community protection.
He said he would ask officers to look into the practicalities in response to a petition, signed by 19 residents, demanding an end to the 'irresponsible' habit.
His words prompted a flurry of comments on the Hounslow Chronicle's Facebook page, with the suggested ban proving highly divisive.
Adele Cox was strongly in support, writing: "You'd be pretty appalled to see someone feeding rats and the council not do anything about it!"
Xois Allen was also in favour, 'especially after seeing a man feeding chicken to the pigeons on Hounslow High Street', while Natalie Mhanna said 'about bloody time'.
However, Shirley Shearman was standing up for her feathered friends, asking 'what harm have they done up to now... how cruel is it to try to starve animals out'.
Sally Salt, meanwhile, questioned whether the ban should be a council priority. "This is typical of them - can listen to 19 people but when it comes to planning they close their ears and eyes," she said.
As for how easy any ban would be to enforce, Brenda Muston wrote: "There is a sign on the fence, where the Hanworth road and the High street separate, outside where Brentford Nylons used to be, stating that there is a £1000 pounds fine for feeding the pigeons. No-one has ever taken any notice of it."
