Decision details

Update previous work and propose new ideas to address issues of urban gulls, with three core objectives: deterring the gull population; removing access to food sources and communicating with the public to garner support in tackling the problem.

RESOLVED (unanimously) that the Cabinet:

1)  Adopt the revised urban gull strategy.

2)  Officers progress, in consultation with the Cabinet Member, the following measures prioritised for delivery in 2015/16 and 2016/17 using the allocated funding of £85k. These are:

a)  Provision of a pilot gull treatment programme supported by a communications campaign for areas in Abbey, Kingsmead, Widcombe, Newbridge, Westmoreland, Twerton and Midsomer Norton. This will be delivered through an external contractor chosen through an open and transparent tender process.

b)  An additional officer for waste education and enforcement for 6 months.

c)  The delivery of a comprehensive communications campaign.

3)  The Cabinet Member, in consultation with officers, will apportion the budget of £85k to each of the above recommendations.

4)  In addition the Council will enter into a collaborative partnership with the University of the West of England and Middlesex University to map and track the behavioural patterns of gulls and deliver a citizen science project.

Whilst there is no statutory duty to take action on urban gulls it is a high profile issue for residents, businesses and visitors and is deemed a political priority.

The authority will address the gull issue using the provisions of the Natural England general licence.

To continue the current approach without the allocation of additional resources. Given the rationale outlined in the report, additional resource has been allocated to this work.