AN UNEASY truce appears to have been reached in the long-running controversy over the preening peacocks of Sutton Courteney.

Sarah Livingston and Mark Owen with some feed for the peacocks

The parish council has washed its hands of the affair, but peacock supporters are providing a feeder to encourage the birds to congregate in one place.

Council chairman John Francis said: "We are fed up with the peacocks. Our view is that they should be removed because of the trouble they cause.

"But if there are people who want to keep the birds, then let them get on with it. We have been discussing this issue for far too long. I think we have far more important items affecting this village."

Sutton Courtenay's peacocks have been strutting around the village for years. A pair of young birds and a baby have proved a popular attraction. They often gather on a piece of open land at Lady Place -- an expensive housing development. The birds may have an affection for Lady Place because their ancestors were introduced there by the late Hugh Sinclair, a leading nutrition researcher. Following his death they wandered the grounds.

However, Lady Place mansion burnt down four years ago and the homeless birds began to wander further. Some residents took the peacocks under their wing, but others were less sympathetic.

The parish council tried to get the birds removed, but an attempt to give them a new home was unsuccessful.

Patrick Salisbury, of Chapel Lane, is among those opposed to the birds.

"They are a nuisance," he said.

"Only recently we had to clear up four lots of droppings from our patio. They are a health hazard and they eat people's flowers and vegetables."

Mary Thompson, who lives in the High Street, said: "Living in a built up area is not a suitable place for the peacocks. They would be better off in a natural environment."

However, Sarah Livingston, of Lady Place, has built a feeder and is encouraging the birds to congregate in one area to feed.

Mrs Livingston surveyed 60 homes in Lady Place, and 33 residents said they would like to see the birds stay in the village. Only seven wanted them to go.

She said: "For my feeding system to work it needs everyone on the estate to agree not to feed the birds anywhere other than at the designated site."

However, critics are afraid the birds will multiply.