A SPECIAL document has been produced by council chiefs - to help protect people from seagull attacks.

It has been put together in response to the growing number of gulls now building nests on the roofs of homes and businesses in Largs rather than coastal cliffs.

Children and elderly people are described as 'at risk' from swooping birds searching for food during the summer months, the extensive document warns.

The council have issued the advice to raise awareness of noise, mess and potential damage to property - with the problem becoming more serious during the upcoming breeding season.

Local councillor Alex Gallagher of the ruling Labour administration at North Ayrshire Council, says he hopes the report provides some useful guidance.

He told the News: "The seagulls are very big birds, quite strong and can be aggressive.

"We are hoping that there won't be attacks on the public, but we feel, as a council, that we have done as much as we can, with the new secure bins up and down the prom and throughout the town. I have walked the prom a good few times and noticed an improvement.

"People should always be mindful. We live in a seaside resort where there are a lot of birds and they are close to human habitation. "There are on the spot fines of £80 for people who feed gulls - as we are treating the offence in the same ways as fines for littering."

The gull guide states: "Chicks grow quickly and stay in the nest for 5-6 weeks. Some fall out and cannot return to safety, so parents protect them by diving and swooping on anyone who approaches, which can be frightening.

"Young gulls begin to fly in late July/early August. Aggression increases as they squabble over food and noise nuisance gets worse.

"It can be hard for the birds to find enough to eat, often attacking people carrying food in the street by swooping down low, aiming to frighten their victim, before stealing the food and making off.

"People have been injured by sharp beaks and claws and domestic pets can be attacked.

"Gulls are clever and learn from each other. They choose vulnerable targets, meaning children and elderly people are most at risk."

The council’s policy is not to kill or harm live gulls or chicks.

As well as safety advice, the document offers a list of dos and don'ts in relation to the birds.

It asks people not to leave feed in their gardens, check roofs and guttering regularly for signs of nest building and ways to discourage gulls to set up home, such as fitting short spikes and netting.

* Contact North Ayrshire Council’s Environmental Health Service on 01294 324339, or e-mail environmentalhealth@north-ayrshire.gov.uk

* For further advice on the law regarding gull control, visit www.snh. gov.uk or call 01463 725 364 and ask to speak to a licensing officer.