Google MapsA listed Glasgow building under attack from birds is to undergo deterrent work to keep them out.
The former Hill’s Trust School in Govan is being besieged with birds gaining access across multiple areas of the property, causing sandstone to be covered by poo among other issues.
Feral pigeons are entering the roof space and tits and sparrows are also gaining access to the Golspie Street property.
Elderpark Housing Association, which owns the office building, has applied for planning permission and listed building consent to carry out measures to stop the winged squatters.
A statement prepared as part of the application said: “The most significant issue identified by a site survey is that birds, including pigeons and smaller cavity-nesting species such as tits and sparrows, are gaining access into roof voids and concealed spaces around the building, fouling these areas with droppings and nesting material and creating an ongoing hygiene and infestation concern.”
The statement said access is “occurring at multiple points across the building, including at the rear extension as well as the main building”.
The housing association plans to install bird spikes and mesh in an effort to keep the unwanted visitors away as “the acidic nature of bird fouling poses a long-term risk to the sandstone fabric”, according to the statement.
As wild birds, nest and eggs are protected, work would pause if a nest with chicks or eggs is discovered until it is no longer in use.
Surfaces where the birds perch would see bird spikes installed while openings would be closed with mesh if the planning application is approved.
The measures “have been designed to resolve an active bird control problem at EHA Office Building while minimising harm to its historic fabric and to the character and appearance of the Govan Conservation Area”, according to the statement.
The B-listed Victorian former school was built in 1874 by James Thomson and has been converted to offices.
The application is under consideration by Glasgow City Council.
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