Eviction for bird feeders

Council tenants in north-west London are being threatened with eviction if they feed pigeons on their estate.

Harrow's housing department has warned residents in the Alexandra Avenue area that it will serve possession notices on anyone found regularly scattering bread for the birds.

The housing management officer Emma Weight has sent letters to 150 families stating: 'The council will have no alternative but to serve a notice seeking possession on any tenant who is identified as persisting in feeding and attracting the pigeons.

The authority insists nesting pigeons are damaging roof tiles and causing mess. Environmental health officers say the pigeons can spread disease

Tim Price, tenant services manager, said: 'When people realise how bad the problem is I am sure legal action will not be necessary.