Dudley Council pledges clean up of pigeon poo filled market

A new eating area in the High Street market was created with £150,000 of funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund but has not been the hoped-for boost for business.

The area has been slammed for being full of pigeons leaving droppings on the tables and attracting drunken hooligans.

Councillor Damian Corfield, Dudley cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “The seating area in Dudley Market Place was designed to provide a shared, welcoming space that encourages people to stay longer in the marketplace and supports traders.

“This usage tends to be seasonal and we see higher use in the warmer months and when there are activities in the town centre.”

“We absolutely agree that this needs to be a clean, welcoming space and our cleansing teams will be jet‑washing the area, while longer‑term options to address the issue are actively being considered.

“We are also progressing a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for Dudley Town Centre, which would address issues of anti‑social behaviour.

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“If approved, the area would be patrolled by council street officers working alongside the police, with enforcement action taken where necessary.”

Labour’s Councillor Shaukat Ali believes the area being overrun by pigeons and blighted by anti-social behaviour was predictable and criticised the council for not consulting businesses in the market.

Councillor Ali said: “At every opportunity we warned the Conservative administration that cosmetic changes to the market would not tackle the real issues.

“We urged them to speak to market traders and residents who actually use the town centre for their views, but those voices were ignored.”

Councillor Corfield added: “We are clear that improving cleanliness, safety and confidence in the market is essential to making it a welcoming place for traders, residents, and visitors.”