A council is getting tough on littering as part of its war on seagulls.

The Wisbech Seagull Initiative, which has been launched by Fenland District Council, calls on business owners and residents in the town to take measures to stop seagulls running riot.

Over the breeding season, which runs from April to June, herring gulls nest on rooftops causing noise, mess and damage to properties.

Occasionally the birds dive-bomb people or pets when they feel their chicks are in danger or if they are looking for food.

A surge in seagull problems in Wisbech, particularly in the port area, has been put down to “the growth of the continental style cafe culture and fast food takeaways which mean food is easily available to the gulls”.

To combat this FDC Street Scene Officers will increase their number of patrols in Wisbech, with anyone caught littering served a fixed penalty notice.

They will also use Street Litter Control Notices to fine owners of businesses who allow litter to build up outside their premises and do not take steps to tackle it.

A fixed penalty notice of £110 can be issued for failing to comply and can lead to prosecution in the magistrates court.

The main deterrents for gulls are fitting wires or nets to prevent them landing, fitting short spikes contained in a special plastic bag to nesting locations such as dormer roofs and fitting long spikes to chimney stacks.

Residents are also urged to put any food waste in bins instead of plastic sacks and keep the lids down on wheelie bins.