Sandwich-snatching seagull plea

Mr Groom wants to see action taken over the seagull problem

An appeal is to be made to the environment minister to find a solution to seagull problems in Dumfries.

Provost Jack Groom claims the birds have been attacking the public, making the town centre a dangerous place for both visitors and residents alike.

He said he had witnessed seagulls swooping down to steal sandwiches from people walking in the area.

Environment Minister Mike Russell is visiting Dumfries on Thursday as part of a "listening tour" of the country.

Mr Groom said he wanted to find out what options were open to Dumfries and Galloway Council to tackle the issue.

"They are swooping down and going for people," he said.

"I can't remember gulls swooping down and taking sandwiches out of people's hands before.

"I have witnessed it myself twice this week."

'Shoot them'

The authority has looked at a number of possible solutions including fining people who feed the birds and giving contraceptive pills to the gulls.

Mr Groom hopes the executive can give them guidance on what measures it is possible to take.

"If you went to ask the public I think everyone would say 'shoot them' but that is something we are unable to do," he said.

"What we want is for them to tell us what we can and cannot do.

"We want to make them realise how bad it is."