Eyemouth could be consulted about problem gulls

Gulls have been described as "out of control" in Eyemouth

Residents of Eyemouth look set to be consulted on a draft management plan to tackle problems caused by gulls.

The town's herring gulls were described as "out of control" last year after councillors heard that seven children had been attacked by the birds in the space of a month.

A new report to Scottish Borders councillors has recommended consulting the local community, and also taking a number of measures.

They include asking people not to feed gulls, also introducing bird-proof bins and installing gull deterrents on rooftops.

Independent councillor James Anderson has raised concerns about problem gulls before and told of incidents of gulls swooping and injuring people.

Scotland's nature body, NatureScot, has indicated a willingness to discuss potential management strategies, but said there was a need to balance conservation with public safety.

The Scottish Borders Council report said: "While gulls are a natural part of the coastal environment, where those coastal areas are also built up, their presence prompts a range of views from local communities.

"In some areas, particularly in Eyemouth, some members of the public have raised concerns about gull behaviour, especially during nesting season when gulls may become more protective of their young."

It added: "These concerns have included issues such as noise, perceived aggression and the disturbance caused by gulls accessing waste."

The report said the local authority had not seen a significant increase in formal complaints in recent years.

But it acknowledged gull-related issues were raised periodically by community councils, councillors and through public forums.

Reporting by local democracy journalist Paul Kelly.