Council spends £17,000 to keep bird mess off their cars

Council chiefs today defended a decision to erect a £17,000 canopy to protect their cars from bird droppings.

The metal and corrugated plastic structure shields a row of 10 parking spaces behind Liverpool City Council's Municipal Buildings.

The spaces, which are overlooked by trees full of nesting birds, are free to certain council officials, including the chief executive.

They are also free to members of the public visiting the building on council business, and the area is used for regular deliveries.

Council executives approved the canopy using delegated powers, which means they did not have to seek permission from elected councillors, after three people made claims for repairing damaged paintwork on their vehicles.

Councillor Joe Anderson, leader of the Labour opposition on the Lib-Dem council, described the decision as "wasteful".

But a council spokesman said the building work followed a "competitive quotation process" and was necessary to protect both cars and people.

He said: "The new canopy has been erected as part of a programme of improvements to the Municipal Building to make it a more pleasant environment for visitors and staff.

"The car park was previously exposed to the elements and this caused problems as it is used daily for the loading and unloading of documents and materials.

"It also meant visitor parking, particularly for disabled visitors, was not to an acceptable standard.

"The work was carried out following a competitive quotation process."