Ulverston businesses step up war on seagulls
Last updated at 16:46, Tuesday, 07 August 2012
A BATTLE plan has been drawn up to tackle the seagull menace plaguing a group of businesses.
The Ulverston Business Centre has had netting put up over areas of flat roofing to prevent the birds nesting there.
It is also considering further options, including applying for a bird control licence, for next year.
Archie Workman, business manager at the centre, said the seagulls are a threat to its ability to attract new businesses to Ulverston.
He said: “If people come here and get bombarded with seagulls, it is not a very good image, is it?
“We will be applying for a licence next year.”
Ulverston Business Centre provides office space for a range of businesses but Mr Workman fears the seagulls could hamper their ability to attract new tenants.
He said the roof outside the offices, in New Market Street, provide the seagulls with an ideal spot for nesting.
The roof is flat and sheltered from predators by tall buildings on all sides, making it virtually inaccessible to humans.
Mr Workman added: “I am a bird-lover first and foremost so we are not anti-bird – I am passionate about them.
“But the image Ulverston has could be tainted by seagull droppings.
“The council is right – it is about fast food being left in the streets. You see campaigns about dog poo in the streets so why is there no campaign about seagull droppings?”
Other options being considered are getting a kitehawk, which acts as a scarecrow for seagulls, and painting the roof red.
Mr Workman said: “I am going to paint around where they nest with bright red paint. Why spend a lot of money when you think there has got to be a simple way?”
Some studies have found the colour red acts as a deterrent and keeps certain birds, including seagulls, away.
Mr Workman said he hopes other businesses in the area follow their lead and take action against seagulls, or else he fears they will simply move to another nearby spot.
Ulverston Town Council recently said it would support anyone attempting to get a licence to control seagulls in the town.
First published at 16:09, Tuesday, 07 August 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
Yes sir! Much obliged sir!
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Archie Workman, business manager at the centre, said the seagulls are a threat to its ability to attract new businesses to Ulverston.
What a potty statement. Given that seagulls nest for a couple of months per year what is the excuse for the lack of 'new business coming to Ulverston' during the other ten months?Posted by Tony on 9 August 2012 at 19:22