Hawks drafted in to scare off pigeons

Published in the Basildon Recorder - June 2012

A battle has begun in the skies over Basildon to drive out nuisance pigeons.

Residents on the Craylands estate will soon see Harris Hawks on patrol.

The birds of prey have been brought in by Basildon Council to get rid of pigeons. The pigeons have been nesting on the roofs of 32 maisonette blocks on the sprawling estate.

Not only have they laid their eggs and left droppings there, but they have also soiled balconies, patios, windows and doors. The hawks will patrol weekly for a year.