Copeland Borough Council asks 'don't feed the seagulls'

'Do not feed the seagulls' - that's the message from Copeland Borough Council, as the birds enter nesting season.

Gulls are known to be aggressive and swoop on people if their nests are nearby, and can also be noisy and spread litter.

Residents and visitors to the area are being urged not to give food to the birds as it can encourage 'nuisance behaviour.'

• 'Swooping' seagull attacks stop post in Cumbrian town

• 'Humans to blame' for seagulls' aggression

• New bin bags to tackle seagull menace

Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, said: "We know it is tempting to throw scraps for the gulls, but it does increase their numbers, as they will go wherever there is food.

"It also encourages them to become too familiar with humans and this is exacerbated in nesting season, when the gulls may become protective of their young.

"It's the price we pay for living in such a beautiful coastal location, but there are things we can do to lessen the problem."

• More informationcan be found on Copeland Borough Council's website: www.copeland.gov.uk.