A product to clean bird droppings from masonry has been developed by two universities with the help of a £38,000 grant from the Government. The product, Klenzyme, is being sold by Coatings Technology (UK) Ltd (Mylan-Cotech) in Lichfield, Staffordshire.

The same company also market a coating for masonry called Graffiti Stop that, without changing the look of the stonework, makes it easy to clean off graffiti and stops bird droppings penetrating so they simply dry up and are blown or washed away by the weather.

The new Klenzyme product was developed by a company of the same name that was spun-out from the University of Westminster and University College Northampton. The product is made from fungus enzymes - and they emphasise it is just enzymes that are used. It does not contain any microorganisms.

These enzymes dissolve and wash away droppings without leaving behind white marks on the masonry. The product works in a similar way to biological washing powder, but is gentler, say the developers.

Professor Christine Evans of the University of Westminster says: "This is a product everyone can relate to - bird droppings damage buildings, statues, bridges, cars, pavements, even oil rigs. An easy-to-use cleaner could make a big difference.

Klenzyme is applied, left to penetrate for about 45 minutes then washed off with a powerwash or hose pipe and broom.

Chris Knowles, the managing director of Mylan-Cotech, says the product can be applied without the operator needing any special clothing or protection and any run-off is perfectly safe, although if it is important to avoid run-off a version (called Klenzyme HB) is available.

The standard Klenzyme SB is sold for £21 a litre and the HB £23 a litre. How far a litre goes depends on the circumstances, but Chris Knowles says: "It goes a long way."

Mylan-Cotech will provide a cleaning service or will supply the products to other cleaning companies. For more information call Mylan-Cotech on Tel: 0845 108 0525. Email: cotechuk@btopenworld.com.