Falcon scheme launches in Diss

If you were in Diss early enough on Tuesday morning, you may have witnessed Fay’s first flight over the town.

After years of planning and petitioning, a scheme to fly a falcon along Mere Street – to rid the town centre of its pigeons – has finally taken off, thanks to the support of South Norfolk Council and Diss Town Council.

The service is being provided by Mark Wright, of Dealey Bird Control and Falconry, with the Diss Express among 25 businesses to have signed up.

Two-year-old gyrsaker hybrid falcon Fay will now become a regular sight over Diss, with flights taking place three times a week for the next 12 months.

People eager to see an immediate change will have to practice patience, as it will take more than one flight to scare off the pigeons.

If the scheme is to be successful, Mr Wright stressed that it is crucial that people stop overfeeding the birds at Mere’s mouth.

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Dealey Bird Control and Falconry is also working with the town council to identify more suitable spots to feed the town’s ducks.