And if successful, the initiative will be rolled out across the region. Dumfries and Galloway Council hope the new scheme, which will see the bags being used by 40 households and businesses in the town centre for their waste, will help the gull issue that plagues parts of the community.
Explaining more, a council spokesman said: “The aim of this trial is to reduce the amount of litter on our roads and pavements that has originated from waste bags damaged by large birds and other animals. Should the gull proof bags prove successful, we anticipate that town centre properties, currently provided with refuse sacks instead of a wheeled bin for their waste, will be permanently provided with these seagull proof bags instead.” But he added: “Residents and the general public must play their part. One of the main reason’s gulls are attracted to specific areas is for food. Litter plays a big part in the gull problem and we must work together to solve this.”
Cllr Archie Dryburgh said: “There is no doubt that gulls continue to create misery for many people and we recognise this. We know they are attracted to litter, that’s why we ask people to dispose of their waste appropriately.”
- Council leader Elaine Murray pictured above with one of the bags
