RESIDENTS and visitors have been urged to take steps to protect themselves from seagull attacks.

Earlier this year, the Cambrian News reported birds of prey have been flown in to prevent “aggressive seagulls” from attacking primary schoolchildren in Porthmadog.

Now Gwynedd Council has offered advice to everyone who intends to enjoy Dwyfor and Meirionnydd’s coastline this summer.

Whilst the number of gulls which live and nest in the UK is in fact declining, an increasing number of people see them as being a nuisance.

This is why the council is running a campaign to ensure that members of the public and businesses who serve food do not attract the birds needlessly to the county’s towns.

Cllr Dafydd Meurig, deputy leader of Gwynedd Council and Cabinet member for the environment, said: “In a county like Gwynedd where so many of our towns and villages are near the coast, gulls can be a real nuisance.

“This is why we are keen to work with other parties to consider what steps we can take to prevent the birds from being a nuisance.

“I’m pleased that we’re raising awareness about the simple measures that everybody can take to help keep the gulls away.

“The advice is simple – if you’re eating outside, make sure you place your leftovers and your food waste securely in a bin.”

As part of the campaign the council has produced leaflets and posters that are being distributed in coastal areas in order to convey the message to local residents and visitors to the area.

The advice given includes:

• Do not drop rubbish or food scraps on the floor – it is an offence and it also attracts seagulls.

• Use bins with lids or take the food waste home and place in the food bin.

• Do not feed the gulls, and avoid giving them an opportunity to snatch food – be vigilant and keep food close to you.

• Keep away from the nests of young gulls.

• Encourage any businesses that serve food to ensure that any food waste is cleared as soon as possible to prevent attracting gulls.

• Do not encourage large birds into the garden.

• Gulls know that they can get food from bins, so it is important that scraps are placed securely in a bin; that the lid of the brown food bin is closed properly; and that bins are put out on the correct collection day.

If gulls are likely to damage your usual bin bags, stronger bags which birds cannot destroy are available so that you can place your regular bin bags in them.