Warning signs needed as gulls go on the attack

A North Bersted woman has called for signs to be installed warning of gull attacks.

Dusty Benson says she is being targeted by the aggressive birds every morning on her walks around the Royal Parade of shops.

"There are about five bad birds and one in particular," she said. "Once one attacks me, the rest follow.

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"They swoop at speed towards my head, making a terrible noise, and are very intimidating. One the other week, came down really close just above me. It was very frightening.

"I now carry a walking stick for protection. I don't want to get attacked by them because their beaks are like screwdrivers.

"This is a very busy area, with children, parents and dogs going by all day. I can't be the only person this is happening to. They might have already injured someone."

The problem of the attacking gulls began in June for Dusty, 56, who runs a dog training school in Newbarn Lane.

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She has exercised her three dogs at 6.30am every day for the three years she has lived in the area.

Her route takes her past the parade. The attacks start as she approaches along Central Avenue where one set of birds is based.

Another hotspot is the shops on the opposite side of Chichester Road where more gulls nest.

"My dogs are trained so it's not as if they are aggressive towards the gulls to provoke them," she said.

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"There should be some sort of warning or notice put up in the area so people are aware of what is happening."

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