NIGHT flying hawks could soon be soaring into Stockton Heath to kill the growing number of pigeons that are circling the village.

An expert from Cheshire Falconry was commissioned to investigate the ongoing pigeon mess dilemma and, following an inspection of St Thomas' church tower, described it as a disaster waiting to happen.

Cheshire Falconry discovered many carcasses of dead pigeons, lodged in the tower, on London Road, and say the situation is the worse the company has encountered for a long time.

Stockton Heath Parish Council will consider the pest company's findings and potentially employ these radical techniques to reduce the pigeon population, at a cost of £90 to 150 per week.

Public concern about pigeon mess - otherwise known as guano - has heightened over recent weeks with residents outraged about the pavement outside the Mulberry Tree pub, that has been particularly badly hit by pigeon mess.

Tommy McNally, of Cheshire Falconry, said: "I was more than surprised to find such a large concentration of pigeons in as small an area as Stockton Heath. The brewery's premises was alarming and is without doubt a threat to the health of visitors to the village.

"We witnessed other areas of concern like pigeons breeding on shopping areas. I am sure nothing has been done to control vermin for some time. We propose to rid Stockton Heath of vermin over a period of six months. I suppose you have a choice of public health or pigeon health."

Clr Alf Pester, chairman of Stockton Heath Parish Council, welcomed the proposals, saying: "I've seen pigeons sunbathing on the roof of the Mulberry Tree! There were about 30 up there once. It's absolutely disgusting.

"There are well over 100 pigeons flying round Stockton Heath. People say it's cruel to kill pigeons but if kids get dirt on their fingers and they end up in Warrington Hospital, that's cruel."