Passers by and shopkeepers alike were fascinated to see a pest control company in action in Ross High Street last week. In particular, George, the Harris Hawk gained much attention.

George, and his handler Paul Norris, of Midlands-based NBC Bird and Pest Control Solutions, were called in by solicitors Harrison Clark Shawcross to deal with a pigeon roost.

Paul said: "Bringing in George is a natural means of dealing with pigeon problems, rather than shooting them we use non-lethal methods.

"The presence of a hawk is aimed at deterring, rather than killing, the pigeons and changing or disturbing their natural habits. They act as a presence and we walk them around, much as you would a dog."

NBC say that often feral pigeons are attracted to an area by a food source and that while traditionally pigeons' food is grain and seeds, in urban areas this is substituted with discarded takeaways or dropped food around dustbins.Ross Town Council has received several letters in recent months, from shop keepers, regarding a pigeon problem in Ross town centre. Councillor Richard Mayo was alerted to the presence of Paul and George, and was keen use it as an opportunity to find out more.

Cllr Mayo said: "We are investigating and looking at ways of controlling the numbers of pigeons in Ross. This certainly is an option but we need more information on where the pigeons are roosting."If people have details of where pigeons are roosting in town I would encourage them to get in contact with me." Cllr Mayo can be contacted on 07765 552632.