The Town Council were delighted with the gathering of supporters for the Christmas Event and Light Switch On in Alfreton on Saturday 25^th November 2017.

The crowds watched as Peppa Pig and the Town Mayor, Councillor John Walker, counted down for the spectacular illumination of the lights at Alfreton House and along the High Street to the Christmas Tree.

The Town Council has been forced to withdraw from a project to try and deal with the pigeon nuisance on Institute Lane after receiving notification from Amber Valley Borough Council that the authority were no longer partnering on the project in spite of being responsible for Environmental Health. As part of the initial stages of the project the Town Council pressed for signs to be installed on the lamp posts to asked the public not to feed the birds, but the next steps on the project have now been abandoned.

The Town Council are again reminding the public not to feed the birds as it encourages pigeons and other rodents. Pigeons are wild animals should not depend on humans to be a source of their food. Food waste makes the area dirty, attracts flies and rats together with bird droppings from the overfed animals which creates health issues also causing detrimental effects on buildings and the appearance of the town. Posters will also be distributed to shops in the area to display and remind the public not to feed the birds. Concerned residents are asked to contact Amber Valley Borough Councils Environmental Health team on 01773 570222.