THE removal of young seagull chicks from their nests in Budleigh Salterton has sparked a topic of concern for police. A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Constabularly said some people in the town may have been taking the chicks illegally from nests. He

THE removal of young seagull chicks from their nests in Budleigh Salterton has sparked a topic of concern for police.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Constabularly said some people in the town may have been taking the chicks illegally from nests.

He warned if people were not licensed to carry out such removal, the act was an offence.

"The advice would be that if you have problems with seagulls, contact an approved contractor, most likely to be found under pest control and enlist their help," he added.

The removal of chicks from their nests can violate legislation.

The wildlife and countryside act 1981 states that it is an offence, intentionally or recklessly, to take, damage, destroy - or interfere with the nest of any wild bird while it is in use of being built.

Anyone found to have breached this law could incur a fine of up to �5000.