A WOMAN who gets in a flap at the sight of pigeons is concerned about the growing number of feathered friends in Bromsgrove town centre.

Celia Wilson, of Stoke Prior, has a phobia of birds but is particularly scared of pigeons.

The married mum-of-two is now too scared to shop in Bromsgrove High Street because she thinks the bird numbers have dramatically increased.

"After a week's holiday, I was shocked to return to the shopping area and find these pests everywhere," said the 53-year-old housewife.

"I'm not the only person with this phobia and it's a very nerve wracking experience trying to negotiate the town.

"I kept dashing into shops to get away from the pigeons and I cannot return until action is taken by Bromsgrove District Council."

The Shaw Lane resident said the birds also make the town look a mess.

District council environmental health officer Fred Collin was unaware of a problem but vowed to send a colleague to investigate.

The authority no longer enforces culls to control the population - instead it enlists the help of Guy Merchant, of the Pigeon Control Advisory Service (PICAS).

Mr Merchant, who only charges expenses, last toured the town in February 2001.

The Cambridgeshire resident counts the flock, looks at nesting areas and advises on control methods.

In 2001 he remarked on how clean the town was, which helps reduce numbers, and counted 75 pigeons, which is considered to be a small flock.

"We have not received any recent complaints about pigeons but we realise they can be a pest," said Mr Collin

"Not only can their droppings carry organisms, they also make surfaces slippery and increase the possibility of accidents.

"While some traders choose to put spikes on buildings to prevent roosting, we recommended adding slopes to ledges - it is a less costly alternative."