The study will involve five visits to the GP surgery over a period of 14 weeks. Patient will attend for an initial visit to have the study information given to them and obtain their written consent. At the subsequent screening visit a physical examination including ECG together with an assessment of lung function will be performed. Once eligibility to the study is confirmed, and after completion of a 14 day 'run-in' period, patients will start treatment with a daily inhalation from the HandiHaler device of either SPIRIVA or placebo, this in addition to their usual COPD therapy.