Pigeon fanciers will now be able to keep birds on their allotments after ‘strong lobbying’ to change council rules.
The current tenancy agreement only permits those presently keeping racing pigeons to house birds at allotments, however guidelines have now been changed to allow new tenants to also keep them on site. It is part of a number of changes to Hyndburn council’s allotment guidelines following an annual review.
Documents produced by the council said their allotments are ‘prone to vandalism and theft’, however those keeping racing pigeons ‘provide a high level of informal supervision’ which will benefit all tenants.
Coun Ken Moss, portfolio holder for allotments, said changes to the guidelines had come about after a consultation.
He told last week’s cabinet meeting: “The primary change this year is about homing and racing pigeons. There was quite a strong lobby from the Oswaldtwistle Homing Pigeon Society as they were scared they could be banned from keeping racing pigeons so we have had discussions and all that’s ironed out.”
Other guideline changes introduced include the possibility of restricting vehicle access to allotment sites on grounds of excessive speed or fly-tipping, ensuring sites are kept in a good condition and kept hazard free. There are also new rules about the use of barbed wire and cost liability for the tenant if any injury or claim takes place.
Oswaldtwistle Coun Brian Roberts told council bosses: “I have almost got to say this is a breath of fresh air because when you first came into power the first thing you did was ride roughshod over all the allotment holders. You have learnt your lesson to consult with people. The pigeon society in Oswaldtwistle has always been strong. It provides a lot of enjoyment to both elderly people and also the younger ones.”
