FALCONS are to be brought into a rundown estate to drive away flocks of pigeons.

Residents have complained about large numbers of pigeons nesting and messing in the rooftops of 32 maisonette blocks on the Craylands Estate, off Broadmayne, Basildon.

Basildon Council tried putting up nets to stop the birds getting into the areas, used for drying clothes.

However, this prompted the birds to roost above public walkways, doorways and window ledges instead.

Residents started a petition to get the nets taken down and the council has now agreed to try a different approach.

It is hiring pest control firm Van Vynck Environmental to set traps for the pigeons and drive them away, using falcons.

David Van Vynck, managing director, said: “I went down to Craylands last week and could see there was a large established pigeon population.

“There will be some culling using cages. The birds we catch will be taken away and destroyed.

“We will also introduce a falconry programme to drive away the remaining pigeons.”

Mr Van Vynck could not say for certain when the traps and falcons will be used, as a schedule still had to be agreed with the council.

He added his staff would return after three months to check if the pigeons had returned. If the pests did return more traps would be set and the falcons would be used again.

Terry Stanton, 52, a tenants’ representative for Craylands, said: “I’m over the moon they’re doing something about this at long last.

“Pigeons are vermin and their mess is bad for people’s health and the general environment.”

The maisonettes and surrounding housing are due to be demolished as part of a large-scale regeneration scheme for the estate.

Swan Housing Association has planning permission to build 206 new maisonettes and flats, three shops and a community hall.