Visitors to Whitehaven are urged not to feed seagulls to stop them becoming a nuisance.
And people caught feeding the birds could face a fine.
Around 20 signs will be erected around the town by Copeland Council and Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners to urge people not to feed the birds.
Andy Pratt, Copeland’s portfolio holder for environmental health, said: “During the summer holidays, as visitors arrive in the town, and residents are out and about, we’re asking people not to feed the seagulls.
“When people feed these birds, they become a nuisance. It causes them to become too familiar, and even aggressive, with humans and they can damage property.
“Food fit for humans, isn’t necessarily good for animals, and they should not be deterred from reliance on their natural food sources.”
Penalties could be issued against those who persistently cause a nuisance by feeding seagulls.
Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners has also installed seagull proof bins.
John Baker, chief executive of Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners, said: “As the town and harbour gets busier and busier, it is important that we all provide an excellent experience for all our communities and visitors.
“Part of that is for everyone to be able to come along and enjoy themselves whilst taking in the sights and sounds of our wonderful 400-year-old harbour.
“Seagulls are very much part of that sight and sound experience but the last thing we want to do is to encourage the seagulls to become a pest and then spoil the experience.
“To that end, we have joined up with Copeland Council to promote the important message that people should not be feeding the seagulls, as it can cause a number of consequences that can include harm to the birds themselves, as much as it can cause them to become aggressive and a real nuisance.”
ENDS
