A PARK overrun with pigeons has been compared with a scene from Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds, as councillors urge people not to feed them.
The Eden Sky Lark stand in Lake Farm Country Park, in Botwell Lane, has become a magnet for bird-feeders and a haven for pigeons, and their numbers have swelled to such an extent that it is believed they pose a real health risk.
Councillor Mo Khursheed (Botwell), leader of the Labour group, said: "It just looks horrible and, more importantly, it is terribly unhygienic.
"We get emails left, right and centre, and people will stop us ward councillors as we walk in Hayes town to ask what we are going to do about these pigeons. It is a real problem.
"Children think it is fun to run through the birds that gather there, and the people who leave food there don't realise that it attracts rats and other sorts of vermin. It shouldn't be encouraged."
John McDonnell, MP for Hayes and Harlington and chairman of community group Friends of Lake Farm, said that it has been a problem for years.
He added: "They dominate the area and it is disgusting. It has got to the point where residents feel intimidated when walking through the park because of their immense numbers. It is honestly like something out of Hitchcock's The Birds.
"People think that by feeding them, they are doing the right thing, but it is undermining the local ecosystem. It is a wonderful park, but other forms of wildlife are being driven out.
"The green is located close to a children's play area, and I have had numerous complaints from residents who are concerned about the health hazards."
Bird-feeding is not an offence, and the onus has been put on discouraging people from putting down bread. Temporary signs have been put up asking people to refrain from scattering food.
Jean Palmer, director of planning, environment and community services, said: "Although we respect the desire for some residents to feed birds in public places, this does sometimes cause issues with large numbers causing a nuisance and a health hazard for park users and local residents.
"We have put up notices and would ask people to work with us and not feed the birds to excess in public places."
* Do you live in Botwell Lane? Are you affected by the pigeons? Email jackgriffith@trinitysouth.co.uk.
