AN expert in controlling pigeon populations has slammed Bolton Council's decision to shoot roosting birds in Farnworth Market.

Last month's cull by council marksmen using air rifles provoked a barrage of complaints from the public who branded the exercise as cruel and inhumane.

Bolton Council says the cull was carried out at the request of market management and traders who were concerned about pigeons roosting in the canopies and the risk to public health from droppings.

But Emma Haskell, director of the Pigeon Control Advisory Service, says culling birds using this method is ineffective and a waste of tax payers' money, predicting that the pigeon population will be back to strength within the next four to six weeks.

Town hall bosses said 40 pigeons were killed in the cull by the council's pest control team but anticipated "further work might needed to be carried out."

The Pigeon Control Advisory Service is an independent company which advises on aspects of non-lethal bird control, Ms Haskell said: "The council need to address why the birds are there in the first place easy access to food and plenty of derelict buildings to roost in.

"Shooting the birds is cruel. It's ineffective and a waste of taxpayers money.

"It's our experience that birds are rarely killed with one shot and it can take them several days to die.

"The technique we recommend to councils, based on scientific research is a controlled feeding programme in designated areas, providing lofts where eggs can be removed when they're less than a week old, thereby reducing numbers to an acceptable level."

Ms Haskell added that the Pigeon Control Advisory Service had approached the council to offer assistance but had been told their help was not required.

RSPCA Bolton branch administrator Katherine Kay said: "I was distressed to learn of the shooting of pigeons in Farnworth.

"Scientific research has shown that culling actually leads to an increase in numbers, the birds over-compensating for the loss of their flock.

"Councils and hospitals in other parts of the country have followed the advice of the Pigeon Control Advisory Service and I am hoping Bolton Council will now do the same."

A Bolton Council spokesperson said: "The Pest Control Service carried out the work at Farnworth Market as a contractor to deal with a specific problem.

"The method chosen was discussed with the client and was deemed to be the most appropriate in the circumstances. The work was not part of a large scale cull.

"The Service is fully aware of the various methods of control available and the alternatives are discussed with clients to enable them to make an informed decision, bearing in mind factors, including cost and the impact on and disruption to their business.

"If a large scale cull is to take place we will fully research the control methods available at that time to ensure that the most appropriate method is chosen."