Concerns about a pigeon problem in Warminster town centre are growing with the population of the birds multiplying alarmingly.

And the burgeoning bird flock is said to be caused by people feeding them.

Town councillor Paul Batchelor says the pigeon population has doubled in the last 18 months and birds are not just gathering on the Old Town Hall but on other town centre buildings as well.

Cllr Batchelor, who runs Batchelors Cycles in Market Place, believes people are still not heeding the advice to not feed the pigeons and said he has been approached by several businesses and residents concerned about the issue.

Warminster Town Council has previously looked at drastic solutions to the long-running pigeon problem, including using a Harris Hawk or a contraceptive feed, but the ideas were dismissed by a feral pigeon expert.

Cllr Batchelor said: “It is noticeable that the pigeon population has doubled in the last 18 months and they only multiply according to the food supply they get.

“If the population is doubling then there must be people out there doing a good job of feeding them. I understand that people just think they are harmless creatures, but they carry disease and create a mess on our pavements.

“We do need to make sure the town centre is a safe environment for people, but I can see an increasing number of pigeons on roofs of buildings other than the Old Town Hall.

“It can be someone having a bit of crust leftover and throwing it to pigeons, which may seem harmless, but only makes the situation worse. Traders and people in the town are noticing and have raised the issue with me.”

Warminster Town Council discussed the issue at a meeting earlier this month, where councillors agreed that the pavements are a disgrace, especially outside eating establishments.

Because of concerns that droppings are creating a health hazard, Cllr Batchelor is going to ask the finance and assets committee on November 3 to put forward money for warning signs.

Cllr Batchelor added: “I have asked for an item to be put on the agenda about having signs put around the town to warn people about feeding pigeons.

“We need to educate people about the issue before taking more radical measures.”