The proprietors of a retail development plagued by excessive bird droppings have been instructed to carry out immediate remedial action by Worthing Borough Council.

The local authority has served notice on those responsible for the Montague Quarter to address the situation without delay or face financial penalties for council-arranged cleaning work.

Council leader Councillor Caroline Baxter asserted that the Montague Quarter owners must rectify this situation immediately. She noted that despite months of engagement with them, proper resolution remains outstanding. Baxter indicated that the unsatisfactory state of this privately-owned location is undeniably undermining broader enhancement efforts and harming businesses operating within and around the town centre. The owners need to accept responsibility straight away, she said.

The enforcement notice follows numerous demands made to Cayuga Developments and St. Clair Developments, which hold ownership of separate parts of the complex, to implement routine cleaning schedules and eliminate pigeon nesting conditions.

The council has characterised the volume of pigeon excrement as degrading the environment and presenting a potential public health hazard.

The requirement comes as part of the council’s Pride in Worthing programme, intended to achieve a cleaner and more environmentally sustainable town. A core objective involves establishing a more intensive and frequent cleansing schedule throughout the area.

Cayuga Developments has been directed to clear the paved surface spanning from Liverpool Road near TK Maxx through to the Nando’s entrance by August 28. The council has further stipulated that this space must undergo cleaning and upkeep on a weekly basis going forward.

Should the standards not be met by the specified date or if ongoing maintenance lapses, the council has indicated it will engage contractors to perform the work and recover costs from the owners under the Antisocial Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Each set of owners has additionally been instructed to eliminate pigeon roosting within their respective sections.