The issue of seagulls causing chaos in Bath has reached a tipping point, as a local resident suggests legal action against the protection of the birds by Natural England. Despite being a nuisance to residents and businesses, the seagulls are safeguarded by law, making it difficult for authorities to control their population. The growing frustration has sparked a call for a more aggressive approach in dealing with the problem.
Tim Newark, a resident and historian, is advocating for legal action to be taken against Natural England. He believes that the council should sue for the damages caused by the gulls, including the cost of cleaning, property damage, and the overall impact on the well-being of residents. The strict laws protecting the gulls, based on what Newark deemed as faulty science, have made it challenging for councils to effectively manage the burgeoning urban gull populations.
Newark highlighted the detrimental impact of the gulls on the city, from soiling historic buildings with excrement to the disruption of residents' lives with noise and mess. He also dispelled the myth that gulls primarily feed off city rubbish, emphasizing that their main food source is found in farmers' fields. However, the gulls are drawn to urban areas in search of additional food, causing further issues for the community.
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The council, limited in its actions due to legal constraints, has advised residents and businesses to take precautionary measures to deter the gulls. Additionally, they encourage reporting instances where the gulls are adversely affecting health and property. The battle to mitigate the impact of urban gulls in Bath continues, with mounting pressure for more decisive action.