Is it time to take the seagull problem seriously?
There have been more calls this week for East Dunbartonshire Council to tackle the problem of vicious seagulls.
The birds regularly dive-bomb residents in the Burnbrae area and a Mosshead Road resident contacted us to say that she keeps a golf umbrella in the back of her car to use to protect herself against them.
She is also unable to do gardening or hang out her washing because they swoop down on her - often more than one at a time.
She said: “It’s time that the council took the problem seriously.
“Just last week a dog was pecked to death by seagulls in Cornwall and the owner fears that her young children could be injured by the birds.
“If they can kill a dog they could damage a small child.
She says the gull problem has been increasing over the last three years or so.
They also create a lot of noise which she says is very stressful, as the ear piercing shrieking starts in the early hours of the morning and continues, so sleep is constantly disturbed.
The woman added: “Parts of their weapons of attack are vomiting and defecation over people, cars and rooftops. Apart from the fact that this is disgusting, and damages car paintwork, there is a health issue involved.
East Dunbartonshire Council’s community protection manager, Evonne Bauer, said: “The council does not have a statutory responsibility for dealing with wild birds, like seagulls, and consequently does not provide a service to control them.
“The reason for this is that seagulls, like other wild birds, are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and a licence is required to kill them.
“Residents who have problems with wild birds nesting or roosting can employ licensed contractors for advice and assistance.