AN all-out offensive is being launched against the scourge of the seagull in Liskeard.

At their monthly town council meeting on Tuesday members heard of discussions at the recent Caradon Seagull task group meeting which presented a strategy aimed at deterring gulls.

However, tentative Liskeard plans to use a Sid the Seagull fancy dress suit to hammer home the message about gulls may never take flight. Liskeard mayor, Tony Powell, mentioned asking Looe Bay Holiday Park for permission to borrow their Sid the Seagull for publicity purposes.

Earlier this week, however, a spokesperson for the Park said they felt Sid might perhaps not be best for the campaign, because he would, to some extent, be promoting culling - plus the fact that the suit may be needed over too greater a period of time.

Mr Powell said at the Task Group meeting two experts on tackling problems with seagulls provided the most detailed information presented to date. Five key points were outlined, including the fact that the only effective way of direct control is egg oiling which requires the spraying of gas during the breeding season.

Other measures take in spikes and netting, adding up to preventative action on roof tops, chimneys, ledges etc where breeding takes place, and a properly designed and orchestrated publicity campaign whose key phrase is 'Don't feed the gulls'.

Measures also encompassed protecting refuse on collection days, and at the monthly meeting Mr Powell produced a large, green, tough, reusable rubbish bag (which will take around four plastic bags and costs £4 each to produce). This is currently being used in Mevagissey by Restormel borough council, and is marked with the name of the residents using it.

Mr Powell, said that in consultation with Caradon it is hoped to identify seagull 'hot spots' within Liskeard where these bags could be used on a trial basis to assess their effectiveness.

Councillors stressed their determination to tackle the gull situation.

Mr Powell said, in his report to them: 'In terms of costs I believe it would be prudent to precept a sum of £3,000 at this time to cover any potential involvement in the Caradon strategy,'