LETTERS warning bird lovers to stop feeding pigeons have been sent to 500 homes across the borough.

Town hall bosses have tracked down a large number of people who insist on putting out food in public spaces such as Victoria Square despite warnings of £50 fixed fines.

Two have also been officially cautioned by the police.

No fines have yet been handed out but council leaders are warning that anyone who continues to flout the ban on feeding pigeons will feel the full force of the law.

The controversial ban was introduced earlier this year after food left out for pigeons was blamed for an increase on the sightings of rats in Bolton town centre.

It is also feared that birds' toxic droppings are eroding buildings.

Cllr David Wilkinson, executive member for environment, said the move showed the council would get tough with anyone who continued to feed the birds.

He said: "This is the first step in tackling this serious problem.

"We prefer the softly-softly approach but if people do not refrain we will start to hand out these fines.

"If people stop putting down this food it will stop attracting rats and encourage pigeons to seek natural food away from urban areas."

People sent letters were tracked down by observation and information sent to council officers by witnesses.

Pigeon nets have also been set up around the town hall to stop birds gathering on the 131-year-old building.

A spokesman for the council said: "We have had a lot of public support for the initiative and many people are now complying."

What do you think? Write to the editor at Bolton Evening News, Newspaper House, Churchgate, Bolton, BL1 1DE or email Drop a line...letters@boltoneveningnews.co.uk.