Published on 5th October 2018

a grey and white gull with yellow legs and feet and a yellow beak tipped with black and red

A feathery pest or one of nature’s wonders – whatever your opinions are of urban gulls, there is no getting away from them in areas of Cheltenham during the breeding season.

Residents and businesses can share their experiences of urban gulls at a drop-in event which will take place on Wednesday 10 October, 4-7pm at the Municipal Offices.

Whilst the number of gulls which live and nest in the UK is in fact declining, an increasing number of people see them as a nuisance. This is why the borough council is looking at ways it could more effectively manage the gull population.

And now the council’s working group which is looking at the complex issues around gulls wants to hear from local residents and businesses about how they are affected by nesting gulls and what they think should be done about it.

A drop-in event has been organised where residents and businesses can let members of the working group know about how they are affected by urban gulls. The group also wants to hear what members of the public think the council should do to better control the urban gull population in Cheltenham.

Councillor Klara Sudbury, chair of the working group said “I am optimistic that the evidence based approach of working group will lead to positive recommendations that would help the council more effectively manage the urban gull population. Dealing with gulls is not a statutory requirement but without any action taken by the council, the number of breeding pairs of gulls would increase rapidly in a short space of time. Given the considerable noise and mess they create this would not be a positive thing for residents, businesses or visitors to our beautiful town. We are considering many issues including food sources, gull proofing and how nests are identified and treated.”

Councillor Tim Harman said: “Gulls cause problems for residents and businesses in Cheltenham, particularly during the breeding season when they are very noisy and sometimes aggressive. The working group is considering many ways the council can improve its own response to the issue and also how it can work in partnership with local businesses and the community to make it more difficult for gulls to nest and find food sources in our town. We welcome members of the public and local businesses to come to our drop-in event to tell us their views about gulls and what they think should be done to improve the situation.”

For press enquiries contact: [email protected], 01242 264231.

The drop in event takes place in the Montpellier and Pittville Rooms of the Municipal Offices on Wednesday 10 October, 4pm-7pm.

Members of the working group will be on hand with surveys for members of the public and local businesses to fill in.