Glasgow city centre residents say seagulls are making litter worse

Speaking at the Merchant City and Trongate Community Council (MCTCC) meeting on Tuesday, August 27, residents are calling on Glasgow City Council to make cleansing a "priority".

One person told attending councillors Angus Millar and Christy Mearns that people "want to walk out the door and see clean streets and bin areas". 

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They also said the number of seagulls and pigeons in the city centre makes people "uncomfortable" when walking around, with seagulls increasing loose rubbish in the centre by ripping open bin bags that are left on the street outside businesses. 

It was asked whether it would be possible to have Environmental Health help tackle the issue. 

Residents say they want their "voices heard" on the issue and that tackling litter is more of a priority than "visionary projects" such as The Avenues Programme which is set to transform key streets in the city centre. 

Cllr Millar said he has raised the question of having seagull-proof bags introduced with the council and says Community Enforcement Officers will discourage people from feeding the birds if they see them doing so. 

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Bins outside Marks & Spencer on Argyle Street (Image: Newsquest)

Bins outside Marks & Spencer on Argyle Street (Image: Newsquest)

Another resident also questioned why the council does not hire more cleansing staff to tackle the problem with litter. 

When they were told it was a budget issue, they asked why bins located outside Marks and Spencer on Argyle Street have been "painted grey" and criticised the council for using resources in this way. 

Glasgow City Council has been contacted for comment.