Holidaymakers 'to be fined £80 for feeding seagulls'

Holidaymakers and residents who feed seagulls could be fined under new council powers to stop the birds attacking people for food.

East Devon District Council said anyone who feeds the often aggressive animals could be hit with an £80 fine, as part of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO).

The ban comes after much debate about how to tackle what has been described as a "scourge" on Britain's seaside areas.

The fines will be aimed at addressing cafes and restaurants who do not dispose of waste food properly as well as habitual feeders.

Iain Chubb, East Devon District councillor, said while gulls are an important part of the coastal environment, their behaviour can be problematic.

He said: "You like to see the birds, it's a nice part of the landscape, but you just don't want them to be aggressive."

"It's more a fine for where there is, say a catering establishment with bad practice of disposing of food, or there are little old ladies who like to go down and feed the seagulls.

"It's one of those things where, if you've got somebody who is habitually feeding seagulls, it's something to say you shouldn't be doing this, there is a fine at the end of the day."