Row over pigeon feeding ban in town centre
LDRSSigns have been put up around a town centre warning people not to feed pigeons, ahead of new restrictions.
Darlington Borough Council is set to release an updated version of its Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) following health and safety concerns from residents and businesses.
People opposing the council's plans to ban bird feeding in the town centre have said the pigeons should be "embraced".
Several people commenting on the issue called on the Labour-led council to create a designated bird feeding zone.
"Birds have never been an issue and should not be included in this," one person said.
"Pigeons are the descendants of birds we bred and used. They were vital during the world wars. We domesticated them and we have a responsibility to continue to care for them."
They said pigeons brought "a sense of life to the town centre" and without them "the streets will start to feel lifeless and cold".
"Please remove the signs and consider embracing our pigeon population," the respondee said.
Others disputed whether feeding the birds was a widespread issue or constituted a criminal offence, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
Meanwhile, another response, published by the council, read: "Pigeon feeding could easily have designated zones so that the birds are all over town. Stopping people feeding will mean more begging behaviour, and birds will go into shops to look for food."
Despite the opposition to the proposal, 56 people supported the local authority's plans to ban bird feeding compared to 28 against.
The updated PSPO is set to be approved by councillors on 10 June and includes stricter measures on anti-social behaviour and begging.
Council officials have also vowed to toughen their stance on the anti-social use of bicycles, scooters, skates and skateboards in the town centre.
People using street furniture and steps to perform stunts and tricks have been blamed for causing damage and endangering public safety.