WINCHESTER civic chiefs are discussing how to tackling a pigeon problem in the city centre.

A flock of more than 50 of the birds are roosting in the Bridge Street area.

They like the buildings close to the River Itchen, as they offer secure roosts and access to food in the nearby Abbey Gardens park.

One idea has been to create accessible dovecotes from which the eggs could be removed, thereby disrupting the breeding cycle.

Other controls suggested include hawk-flying.

There have been few complaints from members of the public.

The city council believes it should limit potential food sources and ensure the swift removal of litter, especially takeaways.