Gull-proof bins installed in coastal communities

New bins, equipped with specialised lids to block gulls from entering them, are being installed along the coast in an attempt to reduce the birds' impact on local residents.

North Yorkshire Council said they have begun rolling out the bins in Scarborough as part of their proposed urban gull strategy.

"Gulls are a defining feature of the county's coastal communities, however, their growing number in urban areas creates challenges," said councillor Richard Foster.

As part of the strategy, the council plans to spend almost £120,000 on providing people in Scarborough, Whitby and Filey with gull-proof rubbish sacks as well as carrying out street jet-washing.

"Although we can put measures in place to manage their impact, our message to the public is to stop feeding [the gulls], they are opportunists and any encouragement can lead to scavenging and taking food," said Foster.

"Through targeted actions such as reducing food waste, improving awareness and using effective deterrents, we can support a long-term future to live alongside our gull population," he added.

Concerns raised by the local community from gull species in the area included mess from fouling as well as nesting and noise.

North Yorkshire Council said their proposed strategy was based on feedback from local businesses and was formed in consultation with the Yorkshire Coast Urban Gull Partnership, Natural England, the Environment Agency, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and Yorkshire Water.

The strategy will be discussed by local authority's executive members at a meeting on 4 August.

If approved, it will guide the council's approach to managing gulls, with reviews in place to ensure measures remain effective, lawful and aligned with conservation requirements.

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