Public invited to meet birds of prey in seagull crackdown

Scarborough council will today show off its latest weapon in its fight against nuisance seagulls - birds of prey.

They will be used to deter and scare away gulls as part of a one year trial, which will also involve the removal of gull eggs and nests from buildings in both Scarborough and Whitby.

The council is holding a public information day in both towns today ahead of the introduction of the Herring Gull disruption and dispersalprogramme due to start next week.

NBC Environment, the company chosen to carry out the programme will pitch up at Dock End in Whitby between 9.30am and 12.00pm and in Scarborough near the old police box on Sandside between 2.00pm and4.30pm.

Staff will be on hand to explain what the programme will involve and the strict legislation they will be working under. People will also be able to meet some of the birds of prey - including Harris Hawks and Falcons - which will be used to deter and scare away gulls as part of the programme to reduce the nuisance caused by gulls.

The programme is the latest measure employed by the council in a bid to combat the problems associated with gulls. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of attacks on people by the birds as they swoop down on their victims for food, particularly when rearing their young chicks.