“Disgusting”.
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That is how local business owners and members of the general public have described the condition of footpaths in the Deniliquin CBD.
Pigeon droppings and feathers, stains from spilled food and drinks, detract from what has been a well received upgrade to the side walks.
And this week’s rain has revealed the true extent of the pigeon dropping problem, with reports of a putrid smell from drains and gutters.
Megan Sutton and Rebecca Brown are just two of the CBD business owners who have attempted to contact Edward River Council about the condition of the footpaths.
Mrs Sutton said she’s been waiting for a call back for at least six weeks.
Mrs Brown said she was advised someone would come and take a look at the problem, but she says no-one has been to see her personally.
“We try to keep our shopfronts maintained and cleaned, but what some of us can do is not enough,” Mrs Sutton said.
“We would get out there with a broom and some disinfectant, but the mess and stains just would not budge.
“We had a lot of people here over Easter, and quite a few comments on the footpaths.
“My husband Dave and I did our bit before then. We finally received and installed pigeon spikes and pressure washed out the front.
“But there are some businesses in the CBD without access to a tap, so how are they expected to hose down the front of their shops?”
Mrs Sutton said part of the problem is that there is no regular maintenance or cleaning regime on council’s behalf.
She also said the materials used in upgrading the footpaths seems to accentuate the mess.
“All this money was spent on the CBD, but there seems to be little investment in ongoing maintenance and cleaning.
“I commend council for the way they look after the parks and gardens, but more needs to be done on the footpaths.”
Mrs Brown said she raised questions about ongoing maintenance and cleaning of the footpaths when council’s plans for the CBD were first proposed.
“Businesses were levies a few years back to pay for a tourism campaign few of us saw any benefit from, and perhaps that money could have been best used on paying someone to keep the CBD clean,” she said.
“This new surface is not easy to keep clean, and imagine how much better Deniliquin would look if our footpaths were clean and tidy.
“I look forward to council taking up the problem and finding a solution.”
Council said it and local businesses along Cressy and Napier Street have a “shared responsibility to keep the footpaths in a tidy condition”.
“Council undertakes thorough professional cleaning as required – particularly prior to busy seasons or events – but the responsibility to undertake daily cleaning falls to business owners,” a council spokesperson said.
“Council provides taps for hosing to businesses and if more are required, businesses need to contact council with a request.
“The asphalt used for the footpath in Cressy Street is a standard material, however the contrasting (decorative lighter coloured) bands are more susceptible to showing spills and tyre marks.
“Council is investigating sealants to protect the bands and limit staining.
“Council has investigated a number of street sweeping options, including the use of a street scrubber.
“None so far have proven to guarantee no damage to the footpath. Our investigations are continuing.
“In the meantime, a thorough clean of the footpaths by Council staff is planned for the coming week, weather dependent.”
With pigeons being a large part of the problem, Mrs Sutton said a more unified approach to pigeon control is needed.
And she suggested council should drive it, and consider a subsidised maintenance program.
Council agrees that with a more blanketed approach, the CBD’s pigeon problem could be reduced.
“Council owned properties use pigeon traps to limit the mess caused by these birds. We have in the past loaned traps to local businesses when requested,” council’s spokesperson said.
“Council would welcome input from the Deniliquin Business Chamber or individual business owners should there be a request for council to consider subsidising the cost of pigeon traps.
“Council acknowledges addressing this issue requires unanimous support and co-operation from all businesses.
“If one business traps and removes pigeons but their neighbouring business does not, it makes it very difficult to control pigeon numbers in the CBD.”
Senior journalist