For many months three beautiful, but very noisy peacocks and one peahen made Fovant their home.

While bringing initial delight to residents the birds' unique, piercing squawk proved too much to bear.

After many sleepless nights residents had had enough and Fovant Parish Council called in the big guns from Salisbury District Council to help.

Now when we say the 'big guns' - don't get alarmed!

Fine display but keep the noise down!

Those in charge of keeping people happy in Fovant contacted the Principal Environmental Services officer at Salisbury District, Jeff Wickens.

He recalls: "The birds appeared in the village at the end of June 2001. Although some residents were happy to see the birds many started complaining about the incredible screeching noise they make.

"Fovant Parish Council conducted a survey asking the residents if they wanted the birds removed from the village and the majority did - and that's where we came in.

"We employed a contractor to go to the village to catch the birds. It took a few weeks to catch the birds; it was quite an operation.

"Nets were put down to get the birds and we asked local people to stop feeding them. We eventually caught them in the nets, it was all very humane and now they've been re-homed to very good homes thanks to a peacock rescue centre in Norfolk."

Crest-fallen? Now Fovant folk can sleep peacefully!

Keith Grant from Fovant remarked: "One of the peacocks has been re-homed at a farm where a mate was already waiting for him. The remaining two peacocks have been collected by the Peacock Rescue Group who will find suitable new homes for them.

"The Peahen with eggs was re-homed in early August and the latest news is that both mother hen and her chicks are doing well!

Your comments on this story

Rachael Drever
I'm from down under, victoria and we got one wondering our streets. I think one makes enough noise! If anyone has any suggestions at catching it email me via the BBC Wiltshire website on wiltshire@bbc.co.uk

Sue Walsh
Have just bought two pairs for my friend who has acres of land! Dont know if I should show him this web site?! Wish me luck!

Clifton Wray
Norfolk?! Why didn't they send them to Corsham just up the road? Peacocks are our town emblem, and can frequently be seen roaming the streets!