ANIMAL liberation websites are urging bird lovers nationwide to bombard Trowbridge town councillors with e-mails and letters to protest against a pigeon cull.

Protesters could force the make-or-break meeting on January 20 to be moved from the town council offices to the Civic Hall to prevent overcrowding.

Town clerk Doug Ross and mayor Glyn Bridges are due to discuss moving the meeting to reduce the threat of confrontation.

Animal liberation groups and campaigners are set to swamp the meeting to protest at what they are labelling a "cruel and inhumane" cull.

Arkangel Animal Liberation Group and Liberation magazine have made Trowbridge headline news as the debate hots up just two weeks before a decision is due to be made.

Mr Ross said the meeting venue would be decided over the next week.

"We are not sure what will happen yet but there is talk of relocating the meeting from the town council offices to the Civic Hall," he said.

"Just to be on the safe side it will be better to switch it but it has not been confirmed yet. It could be dangerous if there is a big turn out."

Since Trowbridge Town Council's town development committee recommended a cull to reduce the pigeon flock, animal rights campaigners have been drawing up battle lines.

Councillors have been inundated with letters and e-mails, while some campaigners believe the cull could force hard-line activists to use dangerous tactics.

Cllr Tom James, who has been branded rude and disruptive on one animal liberation website, said he had responded to more than 130 e-mails.

"A number of people have written back and said I was lying while others said thank you for giving the other side of the story," he said.

"I think the councillors on the day will vote with their consciences on what is in the best interest of the town.

"I am surprised at this response but I believe it is good there are campaign groups out there, as someone should always hold an opposite view.

"If the council decides on no further action I have done my best and I will have no fear about going back to my electorate and saying I wanted to reduce the pigeon flock and did not succeed."