Issue - meetings

The adoption of a revised and updated urban gull strategy and action plan for 2016-2019 to fulfill three core objectives of deterring the gull population; removing access to food sources and increased communication with the public to further gain their support in tackling the problem.

Councillor Dine Romero gave a statement by saying that, on a face of it, the Gulls Strategy could be a good thing but that she had had a concern that the Council would spend £60k on measures which had not worked in the past.  Councillor Romero also said that some of the proposed measures would have limited effect, as highlighted in the Scrutiny report not so long ago.  Councillor Romero concluded her statement by saying that she would be looking forward to hear what research would be done on this matter and how the Council would lobby the Government on this issue.

Councillor Martin Veal said that this was an updated and revised strategy, which was needed for the city.  Councillor Veal commended previous work undertaken by officers and scrutiny in this area.  If approved, the strategy would start immediately.  The strategy would finalise innovative and mutually beneficial research project by gathering the evidence in a way that was not possible before.  Councillor Veal also said that he would, via local MPs, lobby central government to get this issue properly raised and addressed.  The strategy fulfils manifesto pledge to tackle issue of gulls in the city and £86k would be allocated to tackle a serious of measures.

Councillor Martin Veal moved the recommendations.

Councillor Tim Warren seconded the motion by saying that it is important for this issue to be tackled.  £85k had been earmarked for this three-pronged approach which would trial a series of measures to deter the gull population from settling in the area.  This innovative approach would provide an opportunity to gather evidence at a scale that hasn’t been possible before, providing a clear steer on future intervention work and targeting of resources.

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.