A TOWN council has made a plea to residents to crack down on seagulls over the holiday period.

Christmas is a time when more waste than usual is generated, and Liskeard Town Council describes rubbish bags left out for collection as a ‘buffet for birds and rodents’.

Residents have experienced more trouble with seagulls of late and the council says it is working hard to develop a management plan.

It is encouraging householders to act now to deter the birds before the nesting season begins.

‘Gulls will start to nest during the spring and they are very protective parents; once a pair begins to breed there is little that can be done to remove the nest.’ said a Liskeard Town Council spokesperson.

‘The Christmas break is an ideal time to consider gull proofing buildings by clearing old nests and installing various deterrents such as one mesh and spikes.’

The council is also reminding everyone to help keep the streets tidy as part of the campaign to deter seagulls.

‘Gull proof sacks cane used to store rubbish in while waiting for collection, these cost £3.50 and should last several years,’ the spokesperson continued.

‘If you wish to avoid an unsightly mess outside your property, remember to cover rubbish bags, don’t put the bags out until the morning of collection and recycle as much waste as possible.’

The council is also appealing to residents to pick up litter - and not to feed the gulls.