PIGEONS still rule the roost at Ilkley Station, despite the efforts of rail bosses to stop them homing in on the busy platforms.

Train company Northern Rail has tried everything from putting spikes on the pigeons' favourite ledges to setting up an electronic bird scaring device but the winged invaders won't be deterred.

Commuters complained about the mess left by the pigeons in the much-used station and the risk of disease, especially during the height of fears over avian flu.

The feral pigeons have made their home in the station, eating any scraps of food dropped by passengers, and roosting safely from the rain under the station canopy. One angry passenger contacted the paper earlier this year to complain about droppings not being cleaned up regularly, and on one occasion, a dead bird decomposing in the station attracted vermin.

As well as the many passengers who use the station, a restaurant and supermarket are situated nearby in Station Plaza, and it is feared the birds could pose problems for them too.

Northern Rail, which manages the station, was called in to deal with the pigeon problem. The company began by attempting to use an ultrasonic bird scarer to drive away the pigeons.

They then put up spikes on various ledges around the building where the pigeons often settle down for the night. But Northern eventually concluded that neither measure had had any significant effect on the birds.

Now Northern says it is considering the feasibility and costs of putting up netting under the station canopy to stop the pigeons roosting there.