A project to combat a gull infestation is seeking additional funding.
Residents in Huntly have complained for a number of years about the mess and annoyance caused by the birds in the town.
The Marr area committee is being asked to consider additional funding at their next meeting on Tuesday.
The Huntly and District Development Trust (HDDT) is leading the pest-control project which involves removing nests and destroying any eggs found.
Now £1,200 in extra funding is being requested from Aberdeenshire to top-up the money raised locally from a number of businesses.
Pest controllers have undertaken the first of four two-day visits to the town this year and will return in June and July for the second phase.
The project will continue for the next five to seven years at a cost of around £6,500 a year.
This initiative has the support of many local businesses, who along with Aberdeenshire Council, have contributed cash to pay for the work.
Donald Boyd, HDDT’s manager, believes the support shown by local firms demonstrates the strength of public feeling in Huntly.
He said: “It has got to the stage where it is a real nuisance to folk and it is having a real impact on their lives with sleeping issues and with the mess being left by gulls.
“There is a really strong public feeling about this in the town.
“It is really good to see that the town is pulling together on this issue.
“If we don’t do something then it is going to get worse.”
However Keith Marley, who runs the New Arc near Auchnagatt feels other means could be used to dissuade birds from nesting on rooftops, adding:
“There are humane methods of pest control. There is no need to destroy the eggs and nests.”
The Huntly and District Development Trust (HDDT) is leading a potential seven-year project to try to bring gull numbers under control in the town.
The Marr area committee is being asked to consider the additional funding at their next meeting on Tuesday along with £4,000 that has been requested to start-up a Men’s shed in Aboyne.
