Seagull problem may end with feeding ban

A north Wales county could be the first in the UK to introduce a by-law banning people from feeding seagulls.

Councillors in Conwy are meeting to discuss how to resolve their bird problem.

According to council environment officials, seagulls have become pests of both residential and commercial areas.

Nesting on roofs, they disturb residents with their noisy squawking, scavenging and fouling of public areas.

But although some areas prohibit the feeding of pigeons, Conwy would be the first to extend that to seagulls.

Home Office

The final decision rests with the Home Office, which has to be satisfied that all other control options have been exhausted.

Suggestions include pricking eggs, removing nests, and a publicity campaign to discourage people from feeding the birds.

But the argument is that this would take a number of years and cost thousands of pounds.