The bodies of dead pigeons which have been strangled by “inhumane” netting above a shop have been left there to rot and decompose.

The horrific sight outside The White Swan in The Broadway, Woodford, has been blighting the high street for months.

People say the issue started more than three years ago and after Redbridge Council refused to intervene they went to the Local Government Ombudsman – who sided with the authority.

The dead birds can be seen caught up in the netting above shop signs, having died from injury, strangulation or starvation.

Environmentalist Helen James, who lives in Woodford Green, said: “It’s unhygienic and it’s very unsightly.

“The birds find a way to get into the netting and panic and end up getting caught. It’s horrible, there are bones and feathers everywhere on the roofs.

“I saw one pigeon eating another pigeon which had died. Who wants to see that?”

The netting is used to deter the birds but they end up getting their legs trapped and dying of injury or starvation.

Some get their heads caught in the holes and choke to death.

People say there are far more humane ways to deter birds from shop roofs, but their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.

Ms James added: “If they were white doves everybody would say how lovely they are, but because it’s pigeons, nobody cares.

Louise Woodcock, of Knighton Drive in Woodford Green said: “It’s dreadful. One of the pigeons on the roof hasn’t even got a head.

“The other birds end up pecking away at the dead birds. It doesn’t smell at the moment but I’m sure it will.”

When they see a dead pigeon trapped in the netting they ring the RSPCA, but it is sometimes too late to save them.

“It’s all very frustrating and upsetting,” Ms Woodcock, 51, added.

“It’s a total eyesore. We keep making noises but nothing is happening.”

A council spokesperson said: “Poorly maintained netting can cause birds to get trapped and it’s the responsibility of the landlord to ensure netting is looked after to deter birds and not trap them. We will visit the site and advise the landlord.”

The White Swan said its manager was not available for comment.