The number of birds is out of control and causing a mound of complaints and work for the town council, thanks to the mess they leave in alleyways and on historic buildings.

Birds of prey and a sound system are among the options being considered by councillors to lower numbers, but another idea put forward is putting pigeons on the pill.

A scheme is being run in Hollywood where pigeons are fed a chemical to interfere with egg development and it is expected to halve the population by 2012.

Coun Clem Walden (Ind) put forward the contraceptive sugge-stion to Tuesday's cemetery and allotment committee meeting after reading about the initiative while on holiday in New England.

The committee will be looking into it. It will also work with Stamford's chamber of trade to install a nesting box at All Saints' Church tower to attract peregrine falcons to the town.

Speaking after the meeting Coun Walden said: "The pigeon pill does make good sense and perhaps ought to be looked into providing it is only the pigeons that get it."

Chamber of trade members are looking into plans to attract peregrine falcons.

Traders say nesting boxes are a cheap way of dealing with the problem and they could include a webcam to follow the progress of any chicks.

It is hoped that a pair of peregrines would spot the boxes on their travels. The boxes need to be installed by January ready for the breeding season.

Members have discussed the plans with All Saints members but need the okay from the diocese and will also be looking into any planning issues.

Chairman Tim Lee said: "We would like to encourage the nesting birds to come to Stamford because it will be a win-win effect.

"It would deter pigeons because falcons' favourite food is pigeon and starlings, it is an environmentally-friendly solution and could attract visitors to the town to watch these birds."

A report on the ideas is due back before the town council's cemetery and allotment committee in October.