ULVERSTON has been besieged by 'threatening' seagulls which cause noise and leave mess, say councillors and residents.

The issue has been tabled for discussion at the next meeting of Ulverston Town Council following complaints the birds are making residents' lives 'very difficult'.

"I live in the town centre and we've noticed the noise this year," said Cllr Judith Pickthall. "They have been very loud.

"But I think the main issue is the fact they leave mess on cars and washing and things.

"On some streets they've also been threatening to people. They are quite big."

The size of the birds has been put down to the fact some people throw down the remains of takeaway food, which the gulls then feed on.

Cllr Pickthall said some people actively feed the birds, and she has had to remove bread that has been left out for them.

Bins overflowing with food waste at pubs, restaurants and takeaways, are also helping the seabird population thrive.

She also said there could be hygiene issues arising from the amount of mess they leave.

The issue was raised at a meeting of Ulverston Town Council when residents asked members if something could be done.

Town clerk Jayne Kendall said: "The problems are noise, particularly in the spring and summer months, and they defecate on washing and people's yards and houses.

"They're quite threatening things because some are quite big. They are making a lot of people's lives very difficult."

Coun Pickthall explained that in Barrow businesses tried to tackle their own seagull population by hiring hawks to scare them off - but the seagulls ran out the hawks.

However, she explained that nesting seagulls are a protected species and there is not a lot Ulverston Town Council can do about the issue.

The problem will be discussed at the next meeting of the council.

"I think we just need to send out leaflets explaining how people can help keep the population down," added Coun Pickthall.

"But it depends what measures residents are prepared to take."