Southport Seagulls - From Seaside Charm to Urban Menace

THE familiar seaside sound of gulls is turning into a source of frustration and concern for residents and business owners in Southport, as birds become increasingly aggressive in their search for food. Now Southport's residents and businesses are getting into a flap.

A growing number of seagulls, joined by pigeons, are responsible for tearing open bin bags left outside shops overnight, particularly along the Town's historic Lord Street. The birds rip the plastic bags to shreds, scattering litter across the pavements and creating an unsightly mess for locals and tourists alike.

The situation has prompted many to question Sefton Council's policy of allowing businesses to leave unsecured bin bags out for collection. The problem, common in other UK Coastal Towns, has only recently escalated to this degree in Southport, leading to demands for immediate solutions.

"Action needs to be taken," commented one local business owner. "The mess left every morning is a real problem for the image of the Town, and the birds are getting bolder."

Concerns are mounting, as reports now indicate that the birds' behaviour has escalated. There are increasing accounts of brazen gulls, and occasionally pigeons, stealing food directly from unsuspecting people in public areas.

As the community seeks a solution, many are looking at measures taken elsewhere. In the seaside Town of Hunstanton, Norfolk, their Council introduced evening bin collections during the summer to combat a similar issue. The move was designed to stop gulls from feasting on overflowing bins throughout the day and night.

The question now facing Sefton Council is whether it will adopt a similar strategy or implement other deterrents, such as installing bird proof public litter bins. With the summer holiday season approaching, residents and businesses are urging Sefton Council to act swiftly before the problem worsens and tarnishes the Town's reputation as a premier seaside destination.

But should businesses be banned from putting plastic bin bags on the streets after closing, especially if left overnight? These bin bags are unsightly and a hazard to blind people at the best of times.

Edge Hill University supports Jamie Oliver's Dyslexia Revolution Campaign

ON Monday, 9 June 2025, the world renowned Chef Jamie Oliver released a powerful documentary on Channel 4, which focused on the importance of how Schools support neurodiverse children.

'Jamie's Dyslexia Revolution' highlights the challenges faced by children with dyslexia and other forms of neurodiversity within the education system.

The 50 year old, who is the 2nd highest British selling author, was labelled:- 'slow' before learning the truth about having dyslexia.

The latest statistics show approximately 10% of the UK population are dyslexic, and the messaging in the documentary is clear; everyone is committed to doing their best for the children and young people in their care, but the education system is under pressure, and this is impacting children's outcomes and futures.

As 1 of the UK's leading providers of teaching training, Edge Hill University joins the Jamie Oliver pledge that no teacher will qualify without the necessary tools to teach all children, whatever their needs. This commitment goes beyond dyslexia, encompassing ADHD, autism, dyspraxia and other forms of neurodivergence.

Dr Helen O'Keeffe, Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Education, at Edge Hill, said:- "We are delighted to be collaborating with The Jamie Oliver Group on this vital work and proud to offer our support to the Initial Teacher Education pledge. As 1 of the largest providers of Initial Teacher Education, our mission is to work creatively with others to enhance life chances. We are committed to enabling the next generation of teachers to teach everyone in their care, know their responsibilities and build their baseline knowledge through rich and diverse developmental experiences, ensuring all children and young people can reach and exceed their potential."

Every teacher that qualifies from Edge Hill will:-

Understand dyslexia and how to recognise and support it in the classroom.
Be familiar with the full spectrum of neurodiversity, including:- ADHD, autism and dyspraxia, and how these needs may present and overlap.
Be equipped to reduce barriers to learning by:- adapting teaching, planning inclusive lessons, assessing fairly and using reasonable adjustments and technology.
Understand how to create classrooms where every child feels:- safe, understood, and able to thrive; where difference is not just accommodated but celebrated.
Know their responsibilities under the:- 'SEND Code of Practice' and how to work collaboratively with families, specialists and School leaders.

Michelle Pearson, Head of Initial Teacher Education Strategy, Faculty of Education, Edge Hill University added:- "As an outstanding provider of initial teacher education, we recognise the importance of staying closely aligned with our School partners and the evolving needs of their pupils. We are committed to preparing our trainee teachers to help every child reach their full potential. Through collaboration with the Jamie Oliver Group and other partners, we aim to build a thriving community of practice that supports everyone across the education sector."

As part of the Edge Hill's commitment to support Jamie Oliver's campaign, the University is running a free 1 hour online:- 'Introduction to Dyslexia' programme, led by the faculty's experienced Dyslexia Course Lead, Kate Sutton.

There are 4 dates to choose from and they are open to everyone. The sessions are designed to offer expert insight into dyslexia. The session provides insight into the key signs educators should watch for and presents effective strategies to support children and young people with dyslexia.

The dates are as follows:-

Thursday, 26 June, from:- 6 pm to 7 pm.
Wednesday, 2 July, from:- 7 pm to 8 pm.
Monday, 7 July, from:- 5 pm to 6pm.
Tuesday, 8 July 2025, from:- 6 pm to 7 pm.

For full information and details how to sign up, please go to:- EdgeHill.AC.UK.

What are your thoughts on this? Please do let us know by emailing our Newsroom at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com or send us a message on:- Mastodon, Facebook, or Twitter.

News reports located on this page = 2.

Southport Seagulls - From Seaside Charm to Urban Menace

Edge Hill University supports Jamie Oliver's Dyslexia Revolution Campaign