RESIDENTS plagued by nesting seagulls who dive-bomb and attack have been told to deal with it themselves.

Fife Council ruled out measures to tackle the flying menace as too costly but have launched a campaign to highlight the issue.

They're putting up signs asking people not to feed the gulls and advised property owners affected by the angry birds to consider 'gull-proofing' their homes before the breeding season starts.

Litter louts have also been told they face an £80 fine.

Councillor Ross Vettraino, convener of the environment, protective services and community safety committee, said: "Herring gulls are the most common type of gull to nest on buildings in Fife.

"Notwithstanding that they can be a real nuisance, they are protected by law and it’s generally illegal to destroy them or interfere with their nests.

“Fife Council has no statutory duty to deal with gulls, nor does it have the resources to do so.

"However, officers will give advice about the measures property owners can employ to proof their property and mitigate the nuisance.”

The council said reports of nuisance gulls in urban areas are on the rise and gull-proofing measures, to reduce the number of birds nesting on buildings, include chimney guards, spikes for roof edges and netting.

Cllr Vettraino added: “Gulls are opportunistic feeders and will scavenge in towns for food dropped by pedestrians or thrown out of cars, as well as tear open waste bags left on streets.

“Everyone in Fife can play their part by not feeding the gulls, by binning litter instead of dropping it and by properly covering their waste.”

The nesting season for gulls, when they are perceived as a nuisance to the public, is between April and August.