A man from Lincolnshire has expressed his shock after being issued a £100 fine for feeding pigeons in Boston town centre. James Quirke, 29, was eating a bacon sandwich in Market Place when he threw some crumbs to a group of birds, prompting two enforcement officers to approach him.
Mr Quirke, who works at a local college, stated he was unaware that feeding wild birds in certain areas of Boston is prohibited. He claims that signs detailing the ban were either damaged or not clearly visible, and that the officers watched him for a period without intervention before issuing the penalty. He intends to dispute the fine.
The ban on feeding pigeons and other wild birds in parts of Boston town centre was introduced in September 2024 as part of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). The council's intention behind the measure was to deter birds and reduce the issue of fouling, which has caused damage to historic structures, including the renowned St Botolph's Church, known locally as 'the Stump'. Bird droppings are corrosive and can degrade stonework over time.
Councillor Callum Butler, portfolio holder for environmental services, confirmed that the introduction of the PSPO had been widely publicised. He added that the council continues to educate the public about the order and that, following a review, they are satisfied the officer involved acted correctly and professionally. The fixed penalty notice also provides details on how recipients can challenge the fine if they believe it was issued incorrectly.
Mr Quirke, who resides in Gosberton, approximately ten miles from Boston, recounted seeing two uniformed men observing him but thought nothing of it until they informed him he had committed an offence. He believes enforcement officers should prioritise educating the public about such regulations rather than immediately issuing fines, especially if signage is not clear.