FOI request (FOI224029)

Seagulls

Requested Thu 21 September 2017
Responded  Thu 21 September 2017

I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 relating to the questions below please, for use in an academic article and in other related research outputs.

1. How many complaints did the council receive about seagulls in each of the following years - 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016?
2. In each of the years referred to in Question 1: (i) what measures, if any, were taken by the council directly against seagulls (for example, egg or nest removal or installation of roof spikes) and (ii) how much did each measure cost?
3. In each of the years referred to in Question 1, what measures, if any, were taken by the council either directly against members of the public in relation to feeding seagulls (for example, anti-social behavioural measures or fines) or to deter members of the public from feeding seagulls (for example, public education, such as leaflets or street signage about bird-feeding)?
4. (i) What measures, if any, have been taken by the council so far this year (up to 31 July 2017) in relation to seagulls, and (ii) how much has each measure cost?
5. (i) Has the council introduced any Public Space Protection Orders relating to seagulls (for example, prohibiting people from feeding seagulls within a defined area) under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014? If so, (ii) what is the specified offence relating to seagulls, and (iii) how many fixed penalty notices have been issued in relation to it since its introduction? (iv) If the council has not introduced any Public Space Protection Orders for this purpose, has it discussed and/or consulted on doing so?
6. (i) Has the council introduced any Public Space Protection Orders relating to the feeding of any other birds (for example, pigeons) under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014? (ii) If so, what is the specified offence, and (iii) how many fixed penalty notices have been issued in relation to it since its introduction?
7. (i) Has the council issued any Community Protection Notices under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 in relation to the feeding of seagulls or the feeding of any other birds? (ii) If so, how many such Notices have been issued, and for what specific reason (with a breakdown please - in relation to seagulls/other birds)?

Response

Q1 • 2017 (1 April to 31 August): 9 • 2016: 11 • 2015: 7 • 2014: 10 • 2013: 10 • 2012: 8 • 2011: 2 • 2010: Information not held Q2 - Information not held Q3 - Leaflets were given out to food businesses requesting members of the public not to feed seagulls. Q4 - No measures taken apart from handing out leaflets to food businesses as for question 3. Q5 - No Public Space protection Orders have been introduced, discussed or consulted on. Q6 - No Public Space protection Orders have been introduced relating to the feeding of any other birds. Q7 - No Community Protection Notices have been issued in relation to the feeding of seagulls or the feeding of any other birds.