Gull Guards in Ilfracombe

7 April 2010, 15:59 | Updated: 7 April 2010, 17:31

People living in Ilfracombe are being offered help to stop seagulls attacking their litter.

Many households can't use wheelie-bins because the roads are too narrow or steep, so they have no choice but to leave rubbish bags on the street ready for collection.

But seagulls often attack the bags, leaving rubbish over the streets.

Ilfracombe Street Rep Wendy Butler said: "They're quite voracious at this time of year, particularly when they're nesting an later when the young ones hatch.

"While the black bags are out in the early morning, that's when the seagulls swoop down and trash the place."

To hear more from Wendy, click here.

North Devon Council's bought 100 'gull guards' which have a strong, retractable mesh bag which can protect up to 3 black bin bags.  They normally cost over £30, but the council's offering them at a discounted price of £12.

The Ilfracombe Street Reps will be contacting people in affected areas to see if they want one of the guards.

If the scheme's a success, there's the possibility of it being rolled out to places like Combe Martin or Lynton.

Tell us what you think - Are gulls a nuisance in your area?  Do you think the guards are a good idea?  Add a comment below.