A CLEAN-UP has launched to remove bird mess from the streets of Winchester.

As part of a city council strategy to control pigeons, the new approach will include cleansing focusing on six places every two months.

However, in the case of the Buttercross and Guildhall entrance, bi-monthly.

The council is also working with Winchester BID to encourage businesses to remove food waste from outdoor seating areas. The council will talk to businesses to promote measures to reduce the number of pigeons roosting on buildings.

Cllr Jan Warwick, portfolio holder for the environment, said: “We’re aware pigeons are a problem, especially in specific areas of the city centre. We’re committed to ensuring that we protect and enhance our historic city centre and we have agreed a series of measures.”

It follows Historic England granting permission for cleaning on the Buttercross, with light jet-washing used at the remaining sites.

The locations, notorious for bird droppings, including The Royal Oak Passage, Hammond Passage, St Lawrence’s Passage and Kings Walk, will be monitored for six months, after which further measures may be taken.