PEOPLE are being urged not to feed pigeons or seagulls in Middlesbrough town centre because readily-available food is creating an unchecked growth in numbers.

Environmental health officials are warning that people caught littering or feeding wild birds are running the risk of a fixed penalty notice or court fine.

The problem has developed because of the increase in the number of food outlets and outdoor eating in the town over the past four decades, which has resulted in a large increase in the amount of food discarded, both deliberately and accidentally.

Councillor Julia Rostron, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for community protection, said: “We really need everyone’s help to protect both the town centre and the wild birds themselves.

“Accidentally or deliberately discarded food is allowing the pigeon and seagull populations to grow unchecked, and at an unhealthy rate.

“I would urge members of the public to do their bit by disposing of unwanted food responsibly and not feeding the birds.

“Enforcement staff will remind the public that throwing food in public will be regarded as littering whether or not the intent is that birds – or rats – will eat it.

“Offenders may receive a fixed penalty notice for doing something that is not good for birds, and not good for the town. CCTV operators will use the talking cameras to reinforce this message.”