THE problem of what to do about the plague of pigeons in Trowbridge has come back to haunt the town.

Protests from bird lovers forced the town council to abandon plans to shoot the birds two years ago, but a bid to starve them has failed.

Now it is considering all options, including leaving out contraceptive-laced grain or bringing in a hawk to scare them off.

For the past two years the streets have been regularly swept to remove the food they survive on, but despite warning notices people still feed them.

Town development manager Daryl Saville-Brown said: "This morning there were about 50 pigeons there eating food being put down for them by one woman."

The pigeons are being blamed for destroying plants and flowers in the town. Councillors are calling for action to get rid of them and to stop people feeding them.

The council has decided to call off the street cleaning while they consider all the options available to them.

Cllr Glynn Bridge said: "If the sweeping up isn't having any effect we should stop wasting money on it."

Last year the problem escalated, with birds invading Castle Place shopping centre.

Traders complain the pigeons are bad for business. Shoppers have complained they have been messed on or scared by the birds.

The council is also investigating possible health risks.

The birds causing the problem are feral pigeons and the council is eager to draw the distinction between these and trained, ringed pigeons.

A full report into the problem looking at all options is being prepared and the council is to meet with pigeon associations, to use their expertise and ensure tame birds are not harmed.

Cllr Tom James said: "If we were to cull a ringed bird we would be liable for prosecution."

Culls are legal as long as the birds are killed humanely and the correct licensing procedure is followed.