Issue - meetings

There is an update report attached on Urban Gull Strategy. There will be a presentation at the meeting, presentation slides are attached.

Cathryn Brown, Team Manager for Licensing and Environmental Protection gave a presentation (supported by Sarah Alder – Team Manager Strategy and Contracts) to the Panel which covered the following:

·  2016 Gull Strategy

·  Free egg and nest removal by ward

·  Waste enforcement

·  UWE/Middlesex University Research

·  Communications

·  Councillor Feedback

·  Customer Feedback

·  Comments from customers

·  What did we learn from the work this year?

·  2017 and beyond

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Gilchrist explained that some of his residents said they did not know about the scheme. He asked how the one month publicity period and narrow timescale for implementing the scheme will it fit in with the budget process. The officer explained she is hoping for a decision in December. She acknowledged that there had not been enough of a lead in time before.

Councillor Goodman asked how many of the 1,000 eggs hatched. He also stated that the scheme had been successful and asked what would happen if it stopped for a year. The officer explained that only a small number hatch. She explained that the population would recover if the scheme stopped.

Councillor Martin Veal, Cabinet Member for Community Services explained that waste is the reason the gulls stay in an area and that they have no predators. He explained that urban and costal gulls have different behaviours, the costal gull is protected and in his view, the urban gull is different. He explained that the hawks worry the gulls and they do not breed if they are worried. He stated that he was disappointed that there was not more help from ward members. He explained that there had been good engagement with Universities and good media coverage. He explained that the enforcement officer was successful in getting people to put rubbish out at the right time. He added that any help members can give with lobbying for continuation of funding would be appreciated.

Councillor Turner explained that residents at the Paragon could not get funding. The officer explained that it may have been at the wrong time.

Councillor Bull stated that this issue is important to everyone at it effects all areas of the environment so there is an argument for spending the money.