Sir – The statutory duty to inspect land at Elgar Retail Park (Worcester News front page, October 26) littered with food waste and therefore attracting gulls is on Worcester City Council.

If they are satisfied that there is a nuisance from the gull dining facilities, then they must serve an abatement notice. Even without a nuisance, they could still serve a litter clearance notice.

As the litterbugs presumably can’t be found, the notice must be served on the owners and occupiers of the car park, obliging DTZ to litter pick more frequently.

If the city council does nothing, residents can apply to the magistrates court for an order to the same effect. It is up to every owner and occupier of land so to manage it as not to become a nuisance.

As is the case of most environmental controversies, what is needed is a clear legal analysis of rights and responsibilities – then something can happen.

Peter Scott
Partner
Parkinson Wright Solicitors