FED up traders have called for measures to deter pigeons from Burnley town centre after they had their feathers ruffled by the birds.

Business leaders claim the pigeon population has spiralled and that the birds bring with them mess and disease.

They are calling on signs to be introduced in the worst affected areas warning people not to feed the animals, described by comedian Woody Allen as "rats with wings."

The call has been echoed by the Tidy Britain Group which said people should be discouraged from feeding the animals, which can carry diseases including Salmonella and Campylobacter.

Pigeon lovers could already find themselves facing a £50 spot fine if caught deliberately throwing down food such as breadcrumbs or leftovers for the birds as it would count as a littering offence.

Signs warning the public not to leave food out for the birds are already in place in the town hall square in Blackburn following complaints about the mess from members of the public and councillors.

Blackburn Council's legal department have also considered introducing new by-laws to make feeding the birds an offence. The pigeon problem in Burnley is especially bad in the St James' Street and Market Square areas where large numbers of birds flock to feast on food remains.

Burnley Chamber of Trade's Rita Walsh said there was concern at the problem amongst traders in the town centre.

She said: "We do not like the mess these birds create which can be unsightly and contain toxins like salmonella.

"Lots of places across the country have signs asking people not to feed the birds and that is something we could have here in public places in the town centre.

"We really should do something to discourage pigeons as we are concerned about the cleanliness issue. A lot of work has been done by the town centre wardens to try and clamp down on litter and dog fouling so the problem of pigeons should also be addressed."

Five years ago a pensioner in the London borough of Hackney was jailed for a similar offence.

The woman, who was giving pigeons outside her flats several carrier bags of feed each day, was sent to prison by magistrates after repeatedly ignoring warnings.