A spray to clean bird droppings from masonry is being developed by a university company, thanks to a £38,000 grant from the Government.

Klenzyme, a spin-out company from the University of Westminster and University College Northampton, is developing the spray from enzymes from fungus.

These enzymes dissolve and wash away droppings, working in a similar but gentler way to biological washing powder. The spray has been tested on a walkway at the University of Northampton.

Professor Christine Evans of the University of Westminster, who is a managing director of Klenzyme, said: "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. Our initial testing shows the product works.

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