EXMOUTH'S seagull problem needs to be urgently addressed, says a business owner in the town.

The feathered menaces have been dive-bombing cafe customers and staff, stealing food and smashing plates, says Michelle Greenland, owner of Gossips cafe in The Strand.

Mrs Greenland has asked the town manager and town council for help in dealing with the birds.

She said: "They are taking food off the tables and dive-bombing our customers. It's not very nice.

"I know that they did a trial in Sidmouth with a hawk so maybe they could do something like that."

Mrs Greenland said she had tried to raise the problem before with East Devon District Council but after it said that it was unable to help, she didn't know where to turn.

She said: "I have been replacing customers' food and that is costly for us.

"I don't mind doing it as I want our customers to come back but they might not do if they keep getting attacked by seagulls.

"It is damaging business and at the moment Exmouth needs all the help it can get."

The issue was discussed by town councillors on Monday after a motion was put forward by Councillor Steve Gazzard on the issue of the gulls.

Cllr Gazzard said: "We can react or be proactive.

"I am suggesting we be proactive and look at this problem and look at various ways of solving it.

"We can look to see how we can manage the seagull population."

Cllr Lynne Elson said East Devon District Council had previously carried out a study into the issue.

But Cllr Steve Wragg said he felt the study had been negative.

He said: "I support what Cllr Gazzard has said. The district council did do a study but it was a very negative response and I do think we have a duty to do something.

"The gulls steal food. I think the town council should take the initiative and not just say that the district council could not get the money.

"Having said that though, I don't know where we would get the money."

Cllr Trevor Cope said: "My concern is the last point. The fact that this is an expensive issue. Let's not beat about the bush. To take full responsibility in financial terms would be a danger."

It was agreed the council would investigate possible solutions and report back with the costs but it did not commit itself financially.

Mrs Greenland said it was good news the council would investigate a solution.