Council clamps down on seagulls and antisocial behaviour in Sidmouth

The ban on feeding seagulls near some of East Devon's beaches is set to be extended for another three years.

Back in May 2017, the deliberate feeding of seagulls became legally prohibited under a new Public Spaces Protection Order.

The seagull feeding ban covers the town beaches of Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth, Beer and Seaton, with anyone found guilty of breaching the PSPO by providing or depositing food for consumption by seagulls on the promenades, beaches or foreshore, facing being issued with a fixed penalty notice, which carries a fine of £80.

The new laws came into force as a measure to try and stop the aggressive behaviour of the seagulls and initially lasted for three years.

East Devon District Council is now proposing to extend its three existing PSPOs, which it made in May 2017, for a further three years.

As well as the seagull feeding ban, the PSPO also restricting the areas where dogs must be walked on a lead and areas of the beach from which dogs are banned between May 1 and September 30, is proposed to be extended until 2023.

The council is also proposing that the restrictions on certain anti-social behaviour in areas of central Exmouth and Sidmouth be extended for a further three years.

The order bans consumption of alcohol, urination in public, aggressive requests for money, or intimidatory behaviour.

Areas covered by the ban include The Esplanade and Market Square in Sidmouth.

Cllr Geoff Jung, East Devon District Council's Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: "Dog Control Orders have been in place for many years and these and the Public Spaces Protection Orders which replaced them have helped us to achieve a very high level of responsible dog ownership in East Devon, and also help to ensure that our beaches and promenades are clean and welcoming places for both residents and visitors.

"We intend to retain these Orders for the next 3 years to ensure that these high standards are maintained."

The consultation, plus current PSPOs, and proposed amendments can be read in full on the council's website by clicking the red button below.

Any comments on the proposals should be sent to the Environmental Health Team by emailing [email protected].

This consultation runs until Friday, March 20.