A NEW campaign involving posters, leaflets and even a Twitter hashtag is being launched to tackle Worcester's seagull menace.

The scavenger-like birds are the cause of countless complaints in the city, whether they be swooping down to steal food or leaving their mess all over people's washing.

Worcester City Council is working with partners including Worcestershire Regulatory Services and Worcester BID (Business Improvement District) to try and reduce the problems.

And it says everyone can play their part in helping tackle the gulls.

As we first reported earlier this year, signs on bins are a key part of the new campaign, along with advice leaflets, posters, radio adverts and tips for businesses, all aimed at encouraging Worcester’s residents and employers to help reduce the impact of gulls in the city.

Cllr Joy Squires, chairman of the city council’s environment committee, said: “Gulls can create problems for all of us in Worcester.

"They scavenge food, spread their droppings on our buildings and pavements, and they can be very noisy.

“There is no easy, single solution to the problem, but if we all take a few simple actions, we can help to reduce the nuisance and problems they cause.”

The posters and leaflets carry the slogan “Feed the bins, not the gulls” while people are also being encouraged to spread the message on social media using the hashtag #DontFeedGulls.

Cllr Alan Feeney, vice chair of the environment committee, said: “Gulls are opportunist scavengers.

"We can all play a part in tackling the problems they cause and one of the simplest ways is to make sure we dispose of left-over food responsibly. Remember – feed the bins, not the gulls.”

GULL FACTS

• Gulls have been populating urban areas since the 1960s. They are primarily attracted by the safe nesting sites on tall buildings and safety from predators

• UK cities are typically 2-6 degrees warmer than gulls’ original coastal habitats. This means they can lay their eggs earlier in the breeding season

• Gulls feed mainly on agricultural land but they are opportunist scavengers and will not pass up an opportunity to dine on discarded food waste.

• The majority of gulls in Worcester are lesser black backed or herring gulls

• Adult gulls can live for over 30 years

• Gulls are at their most aggressive and noisy during July and August when they are protecting and feeding their chicks

• Typically, three eggs are laid in each nest