A TOWN council could look at enforcement action for people feeding seagulls as part of a proposed new public space order.

Lyme Regis Town Council has agreed to set up a working group to consider proposals to establish a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for west Dorset, including Lyme Regis.

The proposals by West Dorset District Council could provide an order for the management and control of dogs in public spaces.

In a report to councillors, deputy town clerk Mark Green said: "All existing dog control orders need to be considered and, if appropriate, incorporated into the new PSPO, either in existing or amended form.

"In addition, it presents an opportunity to consider any additional control measures which the council might want to introduce in respect of public spaces."

At last week's town management committee meeting, Mr Green was asked by a councillor whether such an order could be used to stop people feeding seagulls.

Mr Green said: "The orders are designed to take on anything that is deemed to cause a nuisance to local residents and is of a persistent nature.

"In theory, it would be possible to look at some order to look at the issue of feeding seagulls."

The town council has installed large signs on the seafront to try and stop people from feeding the birds, while businesses and takeaway outlets are also supporting the campaign.

Cllr Brian Larcombe raised concerns about the "high density" of takeaway outlets in the town, compared to other seaside towns.

Cllr Jeff Scowen said the only way to alleviate the problem would be by using birds of prey or by culling seagulls.

He said: "We can't do anything about the takeaways - they are there. Generally, it is a problem everywhere, it is a nationwide problem that has taken to the fore.

"Sooner of later, it has to be hawks or the c-word, culling. I do not advocate that. That is the only way we are going to cure this other than with hawks. This is one season. It will get worse and worse."