The council are carrying out a survey of the seagull problem in Largs area, and have revealed that they could pursue bringing in a hawk during busy times on Largs Prom.

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “The use of hawks is one of a number of options being explored and discussions have taken place with several contractors who have advised that flying raptors can have positive short-term effects and disperse seagulls from popular areas.

“However, from the information we have at present hawks alone aren’t sustainable or affordable on a long term basis. We have been advised that they may be useful in the short term, perhaps during big events or when visitor numbers are expected to be particularly high.

“Our approach has to be a long-term one as control measures need to be kept up for several years to be effective.

“Action needs to be planned early in the year as once the chicks have hatched it is difficult to do much to reduce bird numbers.

“The gulls are at their most aggressive between late July and early August when the young gulls begin to fly and have usually dispersed by early September.” In relation to the ‘Please Don’t Feed the Seagulls’ campaign, the NAC spokesman said: “We would ask the public not to feed the gulls or drop food scraps and would urge businesses to remind customers when they are buying food to dispose of any waste in bins provided. Gulls are scavengers and will feed on discarded litter and waste. Remember that dropping litter or food scraps is an offence and you may be liable to a penalty.

“We plan to survey the area in the next few days to get a better idea of the size of the gull population and where the nesting and roosting sites are around the town. This will allow us to assess the situation and get a true reflection of the problem allowing us to determine what needs to be done in the short and long term.

“We will then further evaluate what options are available to the council, private property owners in the area and the local community in general to assist in finding a sustainable solution.”