THE days of Teignmouth's seagulls' causing misery by ripping open rubbish bags and swooping on unsuspecting pedestrians could be numbered after the town council decided to get tough.

Incidents involving rubbish-strewn streets and pasties being snatched from holidaymakers are becoming more common, it would seem.

So too are the early morning alarm squawks and mess left behind when nature makes its inevitable call.

Now plans are being drawn up which could include 'gull-proof' waste sacks and the introduction of an official 'culler' and a hunting hawk to reduce their numbers.

An idea to use bird feed laced with contraceptive drugs has been abandoned after it was realised that other bird species, included protected ones, could be hit.

The matter was discussed by members of the council on Tuesday evening.

They are planning to hold public information days in February and to encourage people not to feed the gulls.

Other details have yet to be finalised and the likely cost is not yet known.

But the principle has been welcomed, particularly by Cllr Vince Fusco whose head is no longer well endowed with flowing locks.

'They do seem to be attracted to bald heads,' he said ruefully.