Moray Council has not addressed problems caused by urban gulls, according to one councillor.
The issue was raised at a meeting on the housing and community safety committee this week.
Labour member for Elgin South John Divers said the gull menace has been a constant concern for residents.
Work to deal with the birds is scheduled to take place in Forres in the next financial year.
There is some action currently taking place in New Elgin. But further work in the town is not expected to begin until 2024-25.
Mr Divers said: “The problem has been highlighted over the years through the community planning process.
“I think it’s something we as a council haven’t got to grips with, that this is a priority for the community.
Gull problems
“We don’t seem to be working towards dealing with this issue that’s been raised time and time again.”
At the moment Elgin Common Good Fund, administered by the town councillors, wants to roll out a sonic sound system across Elgin to prevent gulls nesting.
The move follows successful trials carried out by Elgin Bid, and by the council at East End Primary in Elgin and a works depot in Mosstodloch.
Labour councillor for Elgin North Sandy Keith raised the problem of moss on roofs attracting gulls.
The substance provides food, nesting materials and a safe landing pad for the birds.
At the moment the council has a budget underspend of £83,000 to deal with clearing moss from roofs on its houses and other buildings.
Mr Keith said: “I’ve had discussions with Bid and they want to go ahead and do something in the central area in Elgin.
“As Elgin councillors I think we’re all on board in terms of trying to provide funding for the sonic devices.
£83k underspend on moss removal
“The private sector is doing its bit, common good is doing its bit.
“I just wondered if there was scope to be able to do some of the properties in Elgin to make it look as if there was a corporate push?”
Head of housing and property services Edward Thomas told the meeting the council was keen to meet its landlord obligations.
He said: “An all property focus on moss removal may well have an overall impact, but that’s not necessarily something we can deliver.
“We must ensure our spend is for the benefit of our tenants and not necessarily the wider community.”
Press and Journal colleague Sean McAngus visited Lossiemouth at 3am with photographer Jason Hedges to check out the Lossiemouth gull racket.
The full story can be found here.
Conversation