Locals who are under siege by flocks of seagulls have been forced to put barbed wire over their window sills.
Council bosses are suggesting that traders put out their rubbish in ‘gull proof’ bins and visitors who are at growing risk of ‘mugging’ by the birds deposit left-overs similarly.
They are also investigating whether the birds could be encouraged to leave town by constructing alternative nesting sites on the Yorkshire Coast.
They are linking the rise in the gull population in Scarborough, Whitby, Filey and Bridlington to the fact the ledges and rooftops of the resorts provide ‘ideal’ havens for the unwanted birds.
The cost of cleaning the streets is costing hard-pressed local charge payers a fortune.
Dean Richardson, Head of Regulatory Services at the new North Yorkshire Council, explained: ‘Waste Services hold budget for cleansing public realm and £14k is available specifically for gull waste cleansing.’
Mr Richardson has issued a warning after a recce of gull hotspots Scarborough was completed this summer.
In 2019, children were given lessons on how to avoid being ‘mugged’ by the birds. They were shown cardboard cut outs of the birds and told about the dangers of eating in front of the gulls – and warned never to feed them.
A man with fish and chips mobbed by seagulls on the beach in Yorkshire
Seagulls have continued to terrorise Brits across the country this summer shoplifting, divebombing for chips and even sending one youngster to hospital
Residents living in the area of Hyndburn, Lancashire, claim the ‘apocalyptic’ swarm of up to 3,000 seagulls has made it difficult to go outside
Over in Hampshire, Neil Jarret was left startled after he found a ‘rambunctious’ gull in a customer’s chimney flue (Pictured)
A similar snapshot will be completed in Whitby and Filey between now and 2026.
Meanwhile, Ashton Bunn, who has been paid to clear the droppings, said: ‘It seems like a constant problem as no sooner have we got it cleaned, it is back again.
‘There’s nothing you can really do as they have tried to put barbed wire up on the windowsills but it doesn’t seem to be working.
‘It needs addressing but we are in a seaside town so you have to accept that this is part of it.’
Mr Richardson added: ‘There is a perceived increase in the urban gull population in our coastal towns and the Council has received an increased number of complaints this year.
‘Aggressive Behaviour: Gulls snatching food from people, causing distress and sometimes injury. Reports of attacks, especially during the breeding season when gulls are more protective, are common.
‘Noise and Mess: Particularly during the breeding season can be a significant nuisance, affecting the quality of life for residents and the experience for tourists.
‘Economic Impact: Tourism is a critical component of our local economy. Aggressive gulls can deter visitors, impacting local businesses that rely on tourism. Conversely, they add to the charm, character and appeal of the coast for visitors.’
One concern is as urban areas expand gulls find abundant food sources in human environments.
TENBY: A seagull swoops on mother-of-four Jane Anderson, 47, who luckily survived the attack – although her ice cream was snatched away
BRIGHTON: Vicious seagulls will do anything to get their hands on a sweet treat
Mr Richardson continued: ‘Overflowing bins, discarded food, and deliberate feeding by people provide easy meals, encouraging gulls to flock to towns.
‘The architecture of urban areas, with ledges and rooftops, offers ideal nesting sites for gulls. These locations are often safer from predators compared to natural nesting sites.
‘Educating residents and tourists about the dangers of feeding gulls is crucial. Clear signage and public awareness campaigns can help reduce the availability of food and discourage feeding.
‘Promoting the impact of dropping litter and leaving rubbish on the beach, as well as working with businesses and commercial waste contractors to ensure waste is securely contained and not placed out early or in sacks that can be ripped open.
‘Work with appropriate teams within the Council (cleansing/parks/leisure etc) to identify ‘quick wins’, such as the provision of gull proof bags and litter bins where funding can be identified.’
The scheme will cost £36k for its first round of funding.cost of cleaning the streets is costing hard-pressed local charge payers a fortune.
Mr Richardson explained: ‘As part of the working group for the development of an urban gull strategy, the escalating costs of cleansing gull waste are being reviewed.
PORT ISAAC: A woman walks along unsuspectingly with an ice cream as a seagull swoops in, pinching it from her
PORT ISAAC: An elderly man is left in shock after a seagull dive-bombed to pinch his wrap
‘Currently the resource dedicated to the removal of gull waste is more than the budget and contributing to the service overspend position. Continuing with this overspend is not sustainable.’
Councillor Keane Duncan has already underlined the mess the seagulls create was ‘a major problem’.
‘We have to use extra strength detergent when cleaning the streets and buildings,’ he said.
‘We have also had a number of scary incidents, including more than 60 reports of gull mugging attacks of people and pets over the last two years, so we’re trying to discourage that by saying, do not feed the birds, do not drop litter,
‘Clearly fried fish, chips, ice cream are not part of a seagull’s diet, so we want to make sure we are discouraging interactions between the humans and birds.’
Mark Neumegann, who has been hired to help with cleaning buildings, said to avoid the smell he would ‘try and cover up completely’.
He added: ‘I’ve got loads of layers on, goggles all the time, and it still feels like you’re breathing it.’
