PEOPLE who continue to feed pigeons in Trowbridge town centre could soon face legal action.

The town council has been trying for years to persuade people not to feed the birds, which have become a huge nuisance, and it now feels legal action may be its only choice.

Councillor Jeff Osborn said: "We have got to be serious about this.

"We have been talking about it for two years and now we have to be resolute about what we do and make sure it is carried forward."

The town council has approached West Wilt-shire District Council and the district environmental health officer asking for legal action to start.

The main problems are down to two women who insist on feeding the birds, despite numerous warnings.

Teresa Wozniak, of Innox Road, and Danuta Rogova, from the Seymour Estate, could be the main targets of any legal action.

Cllr Osborne said: "If necessary these women will have to go to prison.

"If they won't stop feeding the pigeons we have to be prepared to take the flack and persevere."

The council has considered many ways of controlling the birds over the years. But it has failed to find a permanent solution to the mess and disruption they cause to local businesses.

The suggestion of a cull met with angry protests from townspeople and the council was forced to abandon the plan in favour of regularly sweeping the streets.

When this did not work a representative from PICAS, a charitable pigeon advisory service, was called in.

He recommended creating a feeding area with a roost for the birds, away from the town centre.

This plan has now been abandoned in favour of cutting off the birds' food supply. Town clerk Doug Ross said: "We don't believe PICAS's advice will work if the pigeons are still fed in the town centre. We have pleaded with the people concerned to stop feeding the birds but it has had no effect. We are unhappy taking this sort of action but we cannot see any other way."