Expensive car owners have been slammed by environmentalists for fitting trees with 'anti-bird spikes' to stop pigeons relieving themselves on their vehicles.

The spikes - normally used to stop birds settling on buildings - have been nailed to two beech trees in an exclusive suburb of Bristol.

They were fixed to branches overhanging a car park where numerous BMWs and Audis are parked to deter the creatures from defecating on their pricey cars.

Expensive car owners in Bristol have been slammed by environmentalists for fitting trees with 'anti-bird spikes' to stop pigeons relieving themselves on their cars

But the lethal-looking spikes have been criticised by environmentalists who claim the contraption makes it impossible for birds to rest or build nests in the trees.

Green Party councillor Paula O'Rourke, who represents the area, said: 'I'm aware that the landowner might be legally within their rights to do this to the trees as they seem to be on private land.

'However, I will be looking into this at the council.

The lethal-looking spikes are normally used to stop birds settling on buildings and defecating on the people below

But the contrapation has now been nailed to two beech trees in an exclusive suburb of the city

'Whether allowed or not though, it looks awful and it's a shame to see trees being literally made uninhabitable to birds - presumably for the sake of car parking.

'Sometimes it's too easy to lose sight of the benefit that we all gain from trees and green spaces and from the presence of wildlife around us in the city.'

Another Green councillor from the area said the spikes 'look awful' and have left the trees 'literally uninhabitable to birds'.

Several lower-hanging branches in the grounds of Essendene House and Heathfield House, near the city's famous Downs grasslands, have been fitted with the contraption

One resident, who asked not be named, said the area has a big problem with bird droppings and other ways of scaring off the birds had already been tried

One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said: 'The spikes are solely to protect the cars, there is no other reason.

'There is a big problem with bird droppings around here. They can really make a mess of cars, and for some reason the birds do seem to congregate around this area.

'We did try other methods to scare off the birds.

'I think we had a wooden bird of prey in the branches, but that didn't seem to do anything.'

Residents previously put a wooden bird of prey in the branches to try to deter the pesky birds, but with no success

Twitter user Jennifer Garrett slammed the bird-spikes, calling the move a 'war on wildlife'. She wrote furiously: 'Now birds are not allowed in trees...?!'

The spikes are commonly used in the city's shopping centres - including Broadmead and Cabot Circus - to protect shoppers from bird droppings.

They have now been installed along several lower-hanging branches trees in the grounds of Essendene House and Heathfield House, near the city's famous Downs grasslands, where properties cost around £500,000.

Twitter user Jennifer Garrett wrote: 'Our war on wildlife: now birds are not allowed in trees...?! Pigeon spikes spotted in Clifton, Bristol above a car park. Has anyone seen this before? How is it allowed?!'

Ms Garrett's tweet has been retweeted more than 200 times, with many other users coming out in support of her concerns.

Iain Green said: 'I'm lost for words at how appalling this is!'

And Donna Rainey added: 'We have reached a new low. Appalling!'