Gulls ‘protecting their young’

RESIDENTS in Monifieth have been told to avoid nesting gulls after reports of birds “swooping” down to steal food.

Some terrorised locals report running into their houses screaming after being targeted by the birds.

Mike Flynn, chief superintendent of the Scottish SPCA, said the annual problem of gulls protecting chicks was exacerbated by the coronavirus lockdown limiting sources of food.

He said: “All of this could be contributing to the swooping gulls in Monifieth.

“Our advice is to try to stay clear of the area the gulls appear to be defending or where they are are most active.

“If the gulls are protecting chicks then this will only lasts a short period until the chicks are mobile.

“People should also refrain from putting food out which can attract gulls.”

A DUNDEE cycling group h a s sa id c it y st reets need to be made safer to encourage more children to walk or cycle to school.

Donald Baddon from Dundee Cycling Forum has said measures such as 20mph zones, segregated bus lanes and dedicated cycle routes would all help get more children on their bikes once they go back to school in August.

This comes after Sustrans Scotland revealed the number of children walking to school in Dundee has fallen to 46.1%, down from 54.3% in 2008.

On top of this, Sustrans found only 4.7% were cycling to school, and only 2.8% were getting there on a scooter or skateboard.

As people have been walking and cycling during the coronavirus lockdown, the group is now hoping more will be encouraged to continue their new habits.

Donald said: “Cycling infrastructure is shocking, to get more people walking and cycling there needs to be cycle lanes and more cycle storage.

“For example, outside Baldragon