ONE of London's oldest street markets is being patrolled by a trained hawk in an attempt to rid it of pigeons.

Islington council chiefs came up with the idea after traders and customers complained about the birds, commonly regarded as vermin, plaguing the area around Whitecross Street.

They were attracted from their nests in nearby roads by the thriving food market - held on Thursdays and Fridays. Hazel the Harris hawk, pictured with handler Karl Robertson, is now brought in twice a week and supervised by a handler. Trained by Tunbridge Wells-based company Hawk Force, she has been taught to scare the pigeons, not injure them.

Hazel patrols the 17th century market at lunchtimes to deter the pigeons from visiting, and it is hoped they will stay away. The scheme will cost £2,175 for the training and supervision of the hawk. Councillor Greg Foxsmith, Islington council's executive member for environment, said: "This is green, clean and beautiful to watch."

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