People around the market have slammed the hundreds of pigeons that swoop down on one of the city's gems for their daily feast.

They say there are too many of the "flying rats" and fears have been raised over the disease they say the birds carry.

Pigeons, pictured here, eyeing out customers' lunch (Image: Newsquest)

Many have also cheered on the council's trial to have a harris hawk intimidate the feathered fiends in a bid to keep them at bay.

Ian Roberts, 69, said: "I call them flying rats. They are vermin and there's no control over them.

Ian Roberts who is 69 years old (Image: Newsquest)

"I thought the hawk was a great idea. It's what they use on runways but at the moment there are just too many of the pigeons."

Darren Morton, 54, agreed. He said: "There are too many of them and they’ve become a nuisance.”

Darren Morton who is 54 years old (Image: Newsquest)

Couple Emma Dewar and Stevie Summers believed so strongly in the council's idea of having a hawk around that they suggested false kestrels around the........

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