Pigeons are damaging Mon Dieu House, which was built in 1665

An inspection of Maison Dieu House when it began to leak found a layer of droppings 2.5in (6cm) deep on the roof.

The pigeons are also damaging the war memorial in front of the building in Biggin Street and leftover food is attracting rats from the River Dour.

"We have to educate people who bring sacks of food," said mayor Ken Tranter.

Put up nets

He said visitors fed whole loaves of bread to the pigeons only feet away from signs telling them not to.

"The odd bun or cake or a few crisps - that's great, it's entertaining for the kids - but not en masse," he said.

As well as repairs, the town council spent another �2,000 putting up nets to keep the birds off the building, which it moved into in 2004.

"It is money we would rather have spent on something else but it had to be done," said Mr Tranter.

"The pigeons will not be culled but we have got to do something to cut down the numbers."