Dr Murray wants tougher measures against people feeding seagulls

Dr Elaine Murray is seeking stronger action against people who leave litter out on the streets, which encourages the birds into the town centre.

The Dumfries Labour MSP has written to the council to see what action might be taken using current legislation.

Among her suggestions is consideration of a �50 fine for people who deliberately feed the seagulls.

She believes that well publicised action against people creating litter could act as a deterrent.

Fixed fines

"The seagull nuisance is well under way again and we have to face the fact that human actions are encouraging the birds into the town centre," she said.

Dr Murray said part of the problem was people putting out rubbish bags too far in advance of collection times.

She wants to see �50 fixed fines considered for people putting rubbish bags out so early they are ripped apart by the birds.

"It might also be worthwhile investigating whether people deliberately feeding seagulls could be considered to be dropping litter and therefore also eligible to be issued with a �50 fine," she added.