Any attempt to return peacocks to York's Museum Gardens could be cruel to the birds themselves, a former senior museum employee has warned.

Barbara Pyrah, who was keeper of geology at the Yorkshire Museum during the 1970s and 1980s, recalled when there was a thriving population of peacocks in the gardens.

She added museum staff at one time fed the peacocks, especially during winter, and veterinary treatment was provided. Miss Pyrah said she loved having the birds there - but times had changed.

The gardens no longer contained rough areas with long grass where the peacocks could seek cover. "They are not compatible - you either have nice gardens or you have peacocks, you don't have both.

"You shouldn't treat peacocks as ornaments. These are live animals; they shouldn't be introduced into an environment unless it's suitable, and this isn't."

In addition, nearby roads were far busier than they were in the heyday of the birds, which had a tendency to wander.

She recalled museum staff having to turn out at all hours to retrieve peacocks who got stuck in strange places; some even flew on top of buses in Exhibition Square to hitch a lift to see fellow birds who used to live at Bootham Park.

"It's a miracle there has never been an accident, but the potential is there," she said, warning that anyone who started looking after a peacock population would need insurance in case they faced legal action after an accident.

"Looking after livestock is a serious commitment," said Miss Pyrah. "I think it's cruel on the birds - please consider that these are live animals."

Her comments follow an offer from the York Civic Trust to buy six peacocks for the gardens, and a suggestion from Upper Poppleton resident Leslie Richardson that someone should be appointed "keeper of the peacocks".

If you have pictures or memories of the Museum Gardens peacocks or wish to express a view about them, please contact the newsdesk at the Evening Press at 76-86, Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN, email newsdesk@ycp.co.uk, telephone 01904 653051, or fax 01904 612853.

Updated: 11:23 Wednesday, April 04, 2001