Liskeard may well be joining forces with Looe in the push to bring the seagull problem under control.

Concern from Liskeard town councillors, as well as local MP Colin Breed, led to the persistent question of marauding gulls being debated again by Caradon council this week. Members of Caradon's environmental committee were told of the problems Liskeard residents face from the growing number of seagulls in the area.

Environmental manager, Mick Bullock, said Liskeard council has agreed to provide up to £500 for measures to counteract the birds. He spoke of Looe town council's efforts to control gulls and said it has taken seven years to show any margin of improvement. Councillors raised again previous worries about people feeding the gulls, the need for rubbish to be 'secured', the possible use of wheelie bins and the chances of carrying out culling. Liskeard representative, Dawn Austin, stressed the health hazards posed by the birds. She asked Mr Bullock to contact other resorts for their experience, mentioning Scarborough as somewhere where culling is carried out. She added that spraying rubbish bags with Jeyes Fluid could be advantageous.

Members agreed Liskeard council should liaise with Looe over measures to counteract seagulls - as a joint venture. Meanwhile Mr Bullock will continue researching the problem, and try to identify any funds that could be tapped.