Bird poo in Boston park 'is a health risk'
CHILDREN who use play equipment at Boston's Central Park are having their health put at risk by slack cleaning practices according to a local father.
Colin Garrard, who holds various health and safety qualifications and works in the industry, claims it may be only a matter of time before a youngster falls ill due to the high volume of bird droppings splattered all over the equipment.
As well as noticing the problem when taking his own children to the park, he says other parents have approached him about the issue.
And, if Boston Borough Council fails to act, Mr Garrard is threatening to take the matter to Boston MP Mark Simmonds as well as looking into possible legal remedies.
Hurry Up!!! Special £5 Voucher for Nepalese and Indian Takeaway
View details
We are providing £5 voucher for all online registered customer. Register online at www.everestxpress.co.uk
or visit our Takeaway with a copy of this voucher. Call us on 01522541930 for more details
Terms: Visit our website for full T & C.
Contact: 01522541930
Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013
He told the Target: "It's an absolute disgrace. I accept the birds nest in the trees around the play area and we all know that birds will leave droppings.
"But that's no excuse for the state the equipment is in. The council employs park wardens and has people from North Sea Camp working in the park.
"All it needs is for one of them to go round each day and clean off the rides and get rid of the mess.
"Little kids sit in the mess and touch it with their hands. If they then put their fingers in their mouths, eat food or rub their eyes they could get really sick.
"There are lots of serious illness you can catch from bird droppings especially those affecting your breathing and even your eyesight.
"I know the council is looking to save money but health and safety, especially where little children are involved, is not the place for cost-cutting."
Mr Garrard pointed out that he and other parents had resorted to using wipes to clean off swings and slides before their children get on them.
He said: "It shouldn't be up to parents to clean the equipment for the council.
"Then if you want your child to wash their hands you have to pay to use the toilets outside the park gates so the council is actually making money from the disgrace."
Boston Borough Council officer Matt Fisher said: "The play area is heavily tree lined in Central Park and at this time of year we do experience increased bird activity due to nesting which can affect the play equipment.
"We do formally inspect all our play areas on a weekly basis and we are increasing the cleaning of the equipment."
Comments
by TwistedMellon
Tuesday, June 19 2012, 2:53AM
“mr Colin Garrard that bird sh#t you are Ponting to looks as if it narrowly missed your head :))
health and safety qualification where's your hard hat matey ? you are in a danger zone things can fall from any hight.
threatening to take the matter to Boston MP Mark Simmonds as well as looking into possible legal remedies. that would be like throwing a cat among the pigeons! :))
"Call The Cops!"”
by Yer_Nemesis
Monday, June 18 2012, 8:46PM
“For a man with 'various health and safety qualifications' this gentleman didn't do any real research, did he?
I've spent a few seconds with Google and found such phrases as 'Health risks from birds and bats are often exaggerated'
I'm intrigued by the line 'As well as noticing the problem when taking his own children to the park, he says other parents have approached him about the issue.'
Yeah, if I saw a stranger without any kids with him, one hand in his pocket and pointing to a spring-loaded kiddie-ride, I'd be approaching him too.”
by InsideStory
Monday, June 18 2012, 6:37PM
“If anyone is so concerned clean it up .I suppose he could try training the birds to fly upside down or designing training pants for birds.”
by hornet68
Monday, June 18 2012, 1:18PM
“what a waste of time.”
by theover60s
Monday, June 18 2012, 10:43AM
“birds have been doing it for years and ive never heard of anyone falling ill through it, moan, moan, moan.”