Stroud plastics firm has the answer to airborne noise and pollution plague

Councils in towns plagued by noisy, messy gull colonies are turning to a Stroud company for help - in the shape of specially-designed imitation eggs. Since Paul Norman Plastics, of Woodchester, first developed the eggs in collaboration with Gloucester City Council in 2006, trials and a recent scientific study have demonstrated that they are one of the most effective, humane and environmentally-friendly method of controlling the UK's growing urban gull problem.

The rooftops of towns and cities across the UK are increasingly being colonised by gulls, mainly herring gulls and the closely-related lesser black-backed species. Residents complain of the constant screeching of the gulls and their aggressive territorial behaviour during the breeding season. There have been many reports of the birds dive-bombing passers-by, stealing food and even causing injury. The gulls are also creating severe environmental problems by attacking and spreading refuse, and by the messy, slippery and corrosive droppings they leave on pavements, buildings and cars. In some cases the birds' activities have damaged pipes, cables and roof coverings.

Traditional pest control approaches, which have included destroying the nests, scaring the birds away and oiling the eggs to prevent them hatching, have proved relatively unsuccessful. The imitation egg was developed when representatives from Gloucester Gull Action Group, set up by Gloucester City Council and Gloucestershire County Council, approached Paul Norman Plastics in 2006. The company invested in the development of a hollow plastic egg, filled with sand, which would be realistic enough to be accepted by the gulls but economical enough for councils to buy the necessary quantities. A recent large-scale study showed that replacing the eggs was far more effective than oiling them, as well as much quicker.

As the 2009 breeding season gets under way, Paul Norman Plastics is dealing with orders and enquiries for its 'Ersatz' eggs from several other cities with gull problems. Buyers include Bristol City Council, Cheltenham Borough Council, Taunton Deane Borough Council, Dundee City Council, Cardiff City Council and Looe Town Council.

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