North Yorkshire Council launches a new strategy to manage urban gulls amid rising complaints from residents and tourists
North Yorkshire: The council has rolled out a new plan to tackle the growing gull problem in its coastal towns. They’ve been getting a lot of complaints lately, and it seems like the gulls are becoming a real nuisance.
Residents, tourists, and even local politicians have voiced their concerns about the noise and mess these birds create. The new strategy aims to find a way for gulls and people to live together without too much hassle.
It looks like there’s been a noticeable uptick in the gull population in places like Scarborough, Whitby, and Filey. People are worried about gulls swooping down and snatching food, which can be pretty distressing and sometimes even lead to injuries.
During the breeding season, these birds can get especially protective, and reports of aggressive behavior have been on the rise. The council thinks a mix of factors, like easy access to food from overflowing bins and the perfect nesting spots in urban areas, are making things worse.
Tourism is a big deal for the local economy, and there are fears that aggressive gulls might scare visitors away, which would hurt local businesses. But the strategy also points out that gulls can add a bit of charm to the coast, making it more appealing for tourists.
Finding a balance between keeping the gulls safe and addressing complaints has been a tricky issue for a while now. Last fall, the council even set aside £20,000 for a study on seabird nesting towers to help manage the situation.
Earlier this year, a £30,000 project to remove gull nests from Scarborough Spa Bridge might have backfired, leading to more gulls in the town center. The council is struggling with budget issues, especially when it comes to cleaning up gull droppings.
They have a £14,000 budget for cleaning up gull waste, but it’s not enough, and they’re looking for a better way to handle it. A survey of Scarborough town center has already been done to find out where the gulls are nesting, and similar surveys are planned for Whitby and Filey in the next couple of years.
They’re also planning to consult with stakeholders and are looking for quick solutions, like providing gull-proof bags and bins, if they can find the funding. Plus, they want to educate the public and businesses about gull behavior and how to coexist peacefully.
Consultations with stakeholders are set to happen between January and March this year, so it’ll be interesting to see what comes out of that.
