'Aggressive' gulls could be given contraceptives hidden in food as part of a radical suggestion for 'humanely' reducing the breeding bird population.
Cllr Jill Desayrah said Worcester City Council had been successful in reducing gulls in the city centre but elsewhere their numbers continue to increase, including in Blackpole retail parks.
The city’s annual Gull Population Survey has revealed that 376 pairs live on the Blackpole retail parks and industrial estates, more than 50 per cent of the city's entire gull population and an increase of 3 per cent in the past year.
The majority are Lesser Black Backed Gulls, which, along with all the other types, is a protected species. They are attracted to the area by the many flat-roofed buildings and the waste from the food outlets.
Worcestershire Regulatory Services receive many complaints from residents about noise, faeces and aggressive behaviour particularly during the nesting season.
But as the gull officer’s options are limited when it comes to actions they can take. Under licence some measures like egg collection are allowed, and ways to dissuade nesting including netting. Now one radical alternative solution being considered is contraception.
Cllr Jill Desayrah, a Labour city councillor for Warndon and Elbury Park, described the suggestion as 'safe sex for seagulls'.
She added: “I am concerned that the increasing numbers of gulls are getting out of hand. Many people contact me about the issues caused by having such a high concentration of gulls around Blackpole.
"Their protected status makes finding solutions challenging, so I was delighted when my fellow ward member Cllr Ed Kimberley told me about an approach adopted by other city councils, to humanely reduce the number of gulls.
"They laced food that would be attractive to the gulls with contraceptives.
"I passed the idea onto Worcestershire Regulatory Services and they are following up on it, seeking permission from the relevant authority.
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"WRS are also happy to assist anyone having trouble with gulls at their home by providing expertise and equipment, which the individuals can hire. I will also be contacting the owners of the retail park, L&G, to encourage them to adopt further gull proofing measures. I hope that one or a combination of these solutions will reduce the problem, because I do feel it’s necessary to do something as soon as possible."
The City Centre PSPO (public space protection order) was introduced by Worcester City Council in 2021 and expired at the end of March.
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The Communities Committee voted on Wednesday, March 13 not to extend the order, a decision attacked by Cllr Alan Amos.
Cllr Amos said every part of the city now had 'a gull problem' and called seagulls 'vicious flying rats'.
A Worcester City Council spokesperson said: "An Annual Gull Report will be presented to the City Council’s Environment Committee on November 5.
“This will provide councillors with an opportunity to consider a gull management programme for 2025.”
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