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POSTIES in a coastal Scots town have told locals they can’t deliver their mail – as they keep being attacked by dive-bombing seagulls.
Royal Mail workers in Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway, have been plagued by the birds swooping down on them while they try to make their deliveries on one street.
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The gulls have been on the attack to protect their young in a nearby nest.
Videos taken in the town show one of the birds swooping down on a local, getting close to where he was standing before soaring back into the air and aggressively squawking.
Attacks have happened so often, Royal Mail bosses have written to residents of the area about the problem.
Locals on the town’s Broomfield Gardens have been told workers will be out every day, but they might not get their post delivered due to the bird attacks.
A letter seen by The Scottish Sun said: “As you may be aware we are currently experiencing some difficulties safely delivering to you and your neighbours due to seagulls in the area swooping down on delivery staff in order to protect their young.
“The purpose of this letter is to advise you of the issues we are experiencing but also to assure you that we will continue to attempt deliveries every day.
“If on any day we are unable to deliver to you safely, your mail will be returned to the office, where it will be held securely until we can attempt delivery again the following day.”
The letter also said residents can choose to have their post kept at the office for them to collect or they can choose a different address for their post to be delivered to.
Seagulls lay their eggs in April, which hatch in early summer and hatchlings start to fly after 30 days.
Gulls are known to be fiercely protective of their young and other birds in their colony.
They will dive-bomb anyone they feel threatened by if they come near a nest with eggs or hatchlings inside.
The SSPCA has said people should stay away from an area with nesting gulls if they can.
They said if anyone is in a nesting area, they should wear a hat or carry an umbrella to protect themselves against bird attacks.
Locals have been reassured the birds will move on when they have finished nesting.
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “Seagulls sometimes swoop to steal food from humans and, in some, cases attack people when trying to protect their young or nests.
“All species of gulls are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act which prevents anyone from injuring or killing them and damaging or destroying an active nest.
“Our advice is to try to stay clear of the area the gulls appear to be defending when they are most active.
“You can also use an open umbrella as a deterrent when leaving your property if they are nesting near your home. Once nesting season is finished the gulls will move on.
“However, should the birds pose a risk to public safety or health, you should contact your local council as they can deal with each case on an individual basis to determine if the gulls need to be removed.
“For more information please read the advice on our website.”
The Royal Mail has been approached for comment.
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