Seagull strategy to include peck-proof bin bags

Plans to manage seagulls on the North Yorkshire coast have been set out by the council.

The growing number of gulls, which include herring gulls and kittiwakes, has been causing problems due to food scavenging, fouling, nesting and noise.

To tackle this, the authority has proposed to spend £119,500 across Scarborough, Whitby and Filey as part of their urban gull strategy.

It would include 5,000 gull-proof bin sacks to prevent scavenging, jetwashing guano - the nutrient-rich excrement of seabirds - in pedestrian areas and educating the public not to feed the seagulls.

Businesses would also be educated about control of their waste and proofing measures could be taken on buildings where seagulls pose a public health risk.

A council report found the birds had been targeting bins to access food waste and black sacks were easily ripping open.

The peck-proof sacks, which would cost £30,000 to supply for up to two years, would reduce the food sources available to the gulls and result in less litter being strewn across the street from ripped bags, it said.

Gull species are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981.

Environment executive member Richard Foster said: "Gulls are an intrinsic part of the North Yorkshire coast and living alongside them is something coastal towns have done for generations.

"However, their increasing presence does bring challenges.

"This proposed strategy sets out a clear, balanced approach that recognises both the importance of protecting these species and the need to minimise their impact on residents, businesses and visitors."

The draft strategy will be discussed at a meeting of Scarborough and Whitby area committee on Friday 5 June.

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