THE project to reduce the amount of gulls in Devizes has been a success so far, it was reported at an area board meeting on Monday

As part of a three year contract to frighten away the birds, three hawks and a falcon having been flying over the problem nesting area, on the Garden Trading Estate, to disturb the gulls looking to nest since the start of the month.

Although nest removal work will also begin at the start of April, Wiltshire Councillor Laura Mayes who is in charge of the gull working group wanted to remind residents that it will not be an instant fix.

Coun Mayes told the Devizes Area Board on Monday: “We hope the project will make a big difference but we need to remember that this is a three year programme and the birds will not go overnight.

“We have had a lot of interest from other towns, as we are not alone in having this problem, and both Melksham and Trowbridge have approached us to get advice.”

Part of the nest removal work will be to destroy nests and replace real eggs with fakes so there will be far fewer chicks.

Roundway Parish Council has paid £5,000 towards the cost of the birds of prey, with money also coming from Devizes Area Board and Devizes Town Council.