Hawks to keep watchful eye over Swansea Market

Feathered friends will soon be keeping a watchful eye over Swansea Market.

Swansea Council is arranging for specially trained hawks to be deployed above the roof area outside the historic attraction to act as a deterrent to troublesome gulls.

The council says the nesting and scavenging of gulls has been a problem on the roof area of the market for a number of years. On-going issues include bird droppings, roof damage and blocked guttering.

Hawksdrift, a national licenced supplier of bird control that the council is using, will soon be on hand at the market to answer any questions traders may have about their work.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said: “We recently heavily invested in a major project to refurbish Swansea Market’s roof for the benefit of traders and shoppers for many years to come, so it’s crucial we continue to do all we can to preserve the attraction.

“Gulls have been an issue outside the building in the area of the market roof for several years now, affecting its appearance and causing damage and maintenance concerns. The company we’re bringing in are experts in this area, having successfully addressed similar problems at many buildings in other parts of the UK. What they offer is an innovative, effective, natural and environmentally-friendly solution to an on-going problem.

“This isn’t about harming the gulls in the area of the market roof because nobody wants that. It’s about using highly-trained hawks to act as a deterrent to the gulls and keep them away from the building. Traders will be updated on the effectiveness of the scheme over coming months.”

Hawksdrift will provide regular site visit reports and statistics through an online management information system so the council can monitor progress.

The recent upgrade work at Swansea Market included refurbishment of the existing barrel roof and renewal of the roof gable glazing. The project was funded by Swansea Council and the Building Enhancement Programme, which is supported by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.