Staff at Luton & Dunstable Hospital have been told they will face displinary action if they encourage pigeons to nest in or near the buildings.

The birds have caused upset at the hospital for a number of years and often get stuck in the huge nets around the building, which are supposed to prevent them nesting on window ledges.

But now employees will get a formal warning if they are seen feeding pigeons or encouraging them to stay.

Hospital spokesman Barry Mayes said: 'If people are actively encouraging the pigeons they would be formally asked to cease that practise. It's a health and safety thing, because diseases pigeons have may spread, but it's mainly because they are a nuisance.'

The hospital has introduced a number of animal-friendly preventative measures over the years to try to stop the pigeons using the building to nest.

But animal-loving patients and visitors have been horrified to witness pigeons getting stuck in holes in the nets, and then flapping around to try to free themselves.

Barry said: 'Occasionally it can happen that the clever pigeon finds its way in but isn't clever enough to get out. Where we can we would try to release the pigeon but sometimes we have to wait for the pigeon to climb out again, which can be distressing for the pigeon and the people watching it.'

Luton & Dunstable Hospital