THE nest sites of swifts are not usually discussed at council meetings.

But Winchester councillors heard that the birds' nests in the city have been under threat from a council house roofing programme in Highcliffe.

Richard Botham, council strategic director, said the swifts like nesting on the city's council estates.

Hampshire Swift Society was concerned harm could be done to the birds.

Mr Botham told the overview and scrutiny committee officers had met the society and reassured them that every effort would be made not to disturb the roosts.

Swifts nest inside cavities, mostly in buildings but for most of the year, they are in Africa, visiting the UK from May to early September.