Reference is made to the letter by Rosemarie Scicluna (September 19) in which she stated that “pigeons are no threat to lives” and therefore we could put our minds at rest.

But what about the problems to residents and all those who frequent St Julian’s, especially the Balluta Square area? Not to mention also various areas of Sliema.

In fact, on a daily basis, most households have their roofs and balconies full of pigeon droppings. Important buildings have fallen victims too as also have most of the pavements in the Balluta area and the steps in front of the parish church.

Residents have also been complaining they cannot hang their washing outside to dry because of the pigeons.

Both the St Julian’s and Sliema local councils are aware of the problem. Cleaning the pavements and public areas is not enough because they are again full of droppings within a few hours. There has to be a more permanent solution.

A person who frequents Balluta Square told me a friend of his who used to breed pigeons had to call at the health centre to have his lungs cleared from ‘dust’ that accumulated in his body while cleaning pigeons’ cages.

“I had no other alternative but to open the cages and let tens of dozens of pigeons free,” the same person said. Most of these pigeons have now settled down and are breeding with the other species that have infested Balluta buildings, the Carmelite convent and parish church and now also fly free all over St Julian’s and Sliema.

The number is quite high and that is the reason why residents are requesting that something is urgently done by whoever is concerned.