'Aggressive' gulls 'ruining work and sleep'

Residents have said they are suffering from increasing numbers of gulls nesting on an industrial estate, while one company said they spent £12,000 repainting their building only for it to be ruined by gull droppings.

Simon Porter from Kew Electrical on the Hopton Industrial Estate in Devizes in Wiltshire, said the gulls were "extremely aggressive", while Wiltshire Council member Laura Mayes said they had been "ruining lives".

Mark Wadman from the local Peugot dealership said: "The gull problem is acute and adds a considerable cost burden to the business, let alone the fouling, mess and health implications."

Gulls and their eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Roof netting is legal, but the RSPCA said it must be professionally installed and maintained to prevent birds getting trapped.

Natural England said it will support the council with "sustainable" measures to maage the issue.

Wadman said that after the Peugot dealership spent the £12,000 on repainting the building it was soon "stained" again by gull droppings.

"We have looked into netting the roof and would be looking at circa £40,000," he added.

Porter, who has been working at Kew Electrical for 26 years, said the gulls had got "seriously more aggressive" in the last five years and said they were feeding off the Lower Compton landfill site in nearby Calne.

"They're looking to feed and protect their young, they'll swoop on you across the car park," he said.

Porter also said the gulls were impacting business:

"Our vans are permanently covered in birds excrement.

"I have to wash my car every week - the stuff is so acidic, a bio-hazard and looks unsightly."

"Some of the buildings have been netted, we've approached our landlord about netting," Porter continued.

"I'm all for looking after wildlife and I'm not encouraging or condoning culling...it's something that needs to be looked at at a higher level," he added.

Mayes said some people had been forced to "move away" from the area.

"People are suffering from sleep deprivation and property damage for the sake of protecting birds

"This isn't their natural environment but they've come inland because they've found a safe place to be."

According to the RSPCA, some species of gull, such as herring gulls and kittiwakes, are on the UK Red List suggesting their populations are in decline overall.

It is illegal to intentionally injure or kills gulls or destroy their eggs or nests while they're in use or being built, unless you're acting under a licence from Natural England.

Mayes - who said her application for a licence had not been granted - said she had been encouraging businesses to install roof netting.

"I have seen a trapped gull in a net and I don't think that's any more humane than it is to remove eggs," she said.

Despite being a legal deterrent, the RSPCA said "birds can become trapped" when netting is put up incorrectly, is not regularly maintained or becomes damaged.

Natural England said: "In 2022, we held initial discussions with Devizes Town Council about an organisational licence...we have not been approached more recently.

"We remain open to supporting the town council with gull management in a sustainable way

"Residents and businesses that have been unsuccessful at deterring gulls using proofing measures should reach out for a licence if they're causing a risk to peoples' health or safety."

Devizes Town Council said: "The council recognises that gulls are a concern for some residents and businesses and understands the impact they can have in parts of the town.

"This is a complex issue that requires public bodies, businesses and residents to work together to help mitigate the impact caused by gulls.

"The council notes Natural England's comments regarding the legal protections that apply to gulls and the licensing arrangements that are available where there are risks to public health or safety.

"Where it is appropriate for the town council to do so, it will continue to work with relevant organisations to understand what options may be available to help mitigate the impact of gulls."

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