Worthing Borough Council is consulting on introducing a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to tackle “growing problems caused by the feeding of wildlife in the town centre”.
The proposal reportedly follows concerns about fouling, property damage and birds pestering people for food, with the council saying the feeding of pigeons is a particular issue.
Officials warn that relying on handouts can make wildlife more aggressive and less able to forage for itself, while spilled food and rubbish can attract pests such as rats.
Rosey Whorlow, the council’s cabinet member for equalities, inclusion and community safety, said: “We know that many people feed wildlife with the best of intentions, but unregulated feeding in the town centre can have unintended consequences for both animals and the wider community.
“We have seen an increase in nuisance behaviour, littering and hygiene concerns linked to this issue in recent years, and are interested to hear the community’s opinion on a proposed order that could help improve the situation.”
Residents have reacted critically to the proposed order on social media.
Emily Garvey said: “Of all the problems the town is facing, this should barely register with the council.
“It’s a seaside town, birds will always be attracted to it.”
Fraser MacDonald suggested the council should work harder at tackling dog fouling first, while Adam Morgan labelled the proposals “ludicrous guff”.
Others suggested legislation to help local wildlife should take priority.
Freya Meadows said: “Perhaps the better option would be to focus more on how we can help the wildlife locally, it’s hardly their fault we’re the most densely populated area in the UK and continue to build on what would have once been their habitat.”
The council said it wants people to be able to eat outside in Worthing without being pestered, and has launched a four-week consultation on the proposal.
If approved, the order would let authorised officers issue £100 fixed penalty notices, with courts able to issue fines of up to £1000 if someone is prosecuted for refusing to pay.
People are urged to have their say before the consultation closes on Wednesday, March 25.
The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 gives councils powers to introduce PSPOs to prevent or deal with nuisances that are detrimental to local quality of life.
Worthing previously introduced a PSPO on street begging in 2016, but it was scrapped in 2022 after a report said renewing it would be disproportionate because of insufficient evidence of a continuing problem.
For more information and to take part in the consultation, visit: https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/pspo-wildlife-feeding-consultation/
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