CUMBRIA Police have issued a warning to the public not to mistreat seagulls as issues with the birds rises.

This comes more than eight years on from when a seagull summit was organised by Barrow's former MP Lord Walney, wo has said that the issue has not improved.

"The number of problems that gulls continue to cause around Barrow shows that my summit emphatically did not achieve its goal and I am sorry about that," Lord Walney said.

"The positive steps by those who take steps to stop their rubbish bags being exposed are all too easily undermined by those who stick two fingers up to the rest by feeding gulls in town or failing to take proper care.

PEER: Lord Walney

PEER: Lord Walney

"But ultimately, I think the summit and other initiatives to tackle the gull menace over the years have fallen short because they have underestimated the scale of action that would be needed to make a noticeable difference.

"As long as gulls have nesting places in the town, this problem will persist. While a number of key sites like the hospital and BAE promised action to clear out nesting areas back then, clearly many spaces remain.

"To make a meaningful difference, you would need the local authority to make this a sustained priority both in terms of time and with investment in professional nest clearers and wardens to change behaviour by fining people for littering and feeding the gulls.

"I could understand if our councillors said they need to prioritise other things as we recover from the pandemic."

Abuse of gulls can lead to fines and possibly prison time depending on the crime, according to Cumbria Police.

A spokesperson for Cumbria Police's Wildlife and Rural Affairs team said: "Herring gulls are beautiful, large birds that are venturing further in land to find food.

"Unfortunately, they can become a nuisance especially during spring and summer and have been known to be aggressive when protecting nests and young, which makes them a target for persecution.

"Every year Cumbria Police receive many reports of herring gulls being deliberately run over, shot, trapped, kicked and abused.

MISCHIEF: Two mischievous looking seagulls on the prowl

MISCHIEF: Two mischievous looking seagulls on the prowl

"This behaviour is cruel and unacceptable! Gulls are offered the same protection in law as any other wild bird and offenders could face fines of up to £5000 and/or a six-month prison sentence.

"Cumbria Police would ask that residents and visitors do not feed the gulls and dispose of all waste food matter responsibly in rubbish bins provided or take your rubbish home."