Packet readers blame bin bags for seagull menace
12:00pm Monday 17th September 2012 in News
BLACK bags put out for collection are to blame for the rise in seagull numbers – according to readers of the Packet’s website.
An article in last week’s paper revealed how police had issued a warning after people were taking pot shots at the birds using air rifles.
The story prompted The Skipper to warn how attitudes to rubbish and litter were allowing the birds to increase their population numbers – and readers agreed.
Gill Martin wrote: “Completely agree. I still see unprotected black sacks put out in Helston. “What puzzles me is that some people have managed to afford to pay out for a garden waste wheelie bin and collection, and yet do not own a dustbin or wheelie bin for residual waste collection.
“If bags are clearly left unprotected and rubbish consequently strewn around, then an advice notice should be issued to the resident responsible. If there is a repeat occurance then maybe a fine should be issued.” Falmouth Boy wrote: “It’s not just gulls that raid our rubbish bags but also rats and foxes. I fail to see why the good old fashioned dustbin doesn't make a return.
“But I agree about gulls being an all round menace. “The trouble is that they have no natural predator and they are thriving because we as a society leave so much waste food about. “Would either a managed cull or removal of nests be such a bad thing?”
Ju White concluded: “The trouble is the council brought in the black bag policy again this year and far too many people put them out uncovered with the result of rubbish been spread out along roads and people do it time and time again without any penalty.
“The other problem is the gulls don’t have any fear any more. “I was out recently with my baby daughter when a gull attacked her as she was on my back in her carrier eating a bit of cake. “Whilst I frantically tried to avoid the gull people just stood by and watched some of them laughing. “Luckily my daughter was not injured seriously. “The final problem is the people who actually feed them. “You see people sitting on the pier or in the church street car park feeding them and if you try to remonstrate with them they abuse you.
meerkats says...
12:08pm Mon 17 Sep 12