The Largs News’s ‘Please Don’t Feed the Seagulls’ campaign went national when it received airtime on BBC Radio Scotland.

In an interview, reporter Calum Corral stressed that visitors should not feed the gulls as it only made the birds bolder.

he added that the campaign was gathering momentum with some shopkeepers putting up posters and signs warning people not to feed the gulls.

And within an hour of the broadcast, on the ‘Call Kaye’, show presented by Stephen Jardine, North Ayrshire Council issued a statement saying they are actively looking to find long-term solutions to end Largs’ seagull problem. But they insisted there will be no quick fix.

Calum stated on air that the campaign was launched off the back of a Facebook page set up by campaigner Jane Wilson, and that social media was a big factor these days in promoting the message. .

Later that day, a 13 year-old boy suffered a scratched arm after a seagull swooped down to steal a doughnut - with a picture appearing on the ‘Largs People’ Facebook page. (See separate story) Local councillors Alex Gallagher and Grace MacLean have both backed the ‘News’ bid to introduce a by-law warning people not to feed the seagulls.

Meanwhile, recently elected MP Patricia Gibson also voiced her backing for the campaign, and said: “I would be supportive of a byelaw being introduced for people not to feed the gulls.

"This is a worrying situation and someone could be seriously hurt.

"I await to see the outcome of the council’s investigations, as I am sure we all do.” The council urge the public and local businesses to play their part in improving the situation.

"Local authorities have no statutory duty to deal with the birds and it is illegal to capture, injure or destroy any wild bird or interfere with its nest or eggs.

"But preventative measures can be put in place that can reduce their ability to breed successfully and limit their supply of food.

Councillor Marie Burns, cabinet member for economy and employment, said: “Unfortunately there is no quick fix to the problem of nuisance gulls and control measures need to be kept up for several years to be effective."