You've been goosed: How York plans to sweep clean

COUNCIL officials in York are hoping to make a clean sweep with a new machine that scoops up goose mess.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Aug 2016, 10:16 BST
Updated 25th Aug 2016, 18:37 BST
Geese in Rowntree Park, YorkGeese in Rowntree Park, York
Geese in Rowntree Park, York

Calling cards left by flocks of geese have been a long-standing problem in the city’s Rowntree Park. The council now says it will hit back with a device fitted to a vehicle which breaks up the mess and sweeps it into a large “catcher”.

The machine is capable of cleaning an acre of land in 24 minutes.

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Coun Nigel Ayre, executive member for culture, leisure and tourism said: “Rather than side-stepping the issue we’ve started testing a number of serious options to make our parks and open spaces more pleasant environments.

Geese in Rowntree Park, YorkGeese in Rowntree Park, York
Geese in Rowntree Park, York

“We know this issue isn’t going to go away overnight and we are looking at long-term solutions, but this equipment could be a good short term solution.”

The council says it has set up a task force to “help draft an integrated goose management strategy”. Other trials include fencing to protect flower beds and lawns, and discouraging geese by ultrasound noises.

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