Issue - meetings

This matter is the responsibility of the Leader of the Council, Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts.

This report concerns the implementation of a Gull Control Programme for Taunton Town Centre to reduce the associated noise nuisance and aggressive behaviour along with long-term population reduction.

RESOLVEDto implement a gull control programme in Taunton Town Centre to reduce the associated noise nuisance and aggressive behaviour along with long-term population reduction.

The Leader of the Council introduced the report and moved the recommendations, which sought supportto implement a gull control programme in Taunton Town Centre during the 2020 gull breeding season.

Discussion took place on;

·       The noise was just one element of the nuisance, seagulls could also be quite aggressive and attack people for food.

·       Councillors had seen the replacement eggs at a Member Briefing which had been impressive and were delighted steps were being taken to control seagulls.

·       Similar methods had been undertaken in an industrial estate in West Somerset which had proven effective.

·       A query was raised as to whether this work could be undertaken in light of the Covid-19 pandemic?

·       The intention was to still proceed this year.

·       The problem had become noticeable to people outside of the District and the mess they created was unsightly.

·       It was requested that replacement bins had lids put them on to stop the birds pulling out the waste, particularly in the parks.

·       Councillor D Wedderkopp was a resident of the town centre and felt the situation had gotten out of control. He had raised the issue previously but had been told they were a protected species and there was nothing that could be done.

·       The Leader thanked Councillor Wedderkopp for his comments and clarified that the Council had obtained the relevant licenses to enable this work to be undertaken as they were still protected species. It was felt to be the most humane way to limit their impact, which the Council received a lot of complaints about.

RESOLVEDto implement a gull control programme in Taunton Town Centre to reduce the associated noise nuisance and aggressive behaviour along with long-term population reduction.