Attacking seagulls divebombing from roofs force posties to abandon their rounds over health and safety fears

Daily Mail​

4 hours ago

Aggressive seagulls divebombing from roofs are forcing posties in a Cornish town to cancel their rounds over health and safety fears - causing deliveries to be delayed due to 'safety issues.'
Locals in Liskeard have been warned of disruption to their post, as well as to other visitors and key prescription deliveries, as the pesky nesting birds swoop down on postal workers and other house visitors.
The problem has got so bad, Royal Mail has warned them they may not receive their post on time and has started offering residents alternative arrangements - such as a safer delivery address away from the gulls.
A local in Liskeard has shared a recent letter they received from the Royal Mail - warning them of the 'difficulties' faced by postal staff.
It warned that the fiercely protective parent birds mean it is not always safe for staff to approach homes, and that any mail in missed deliveries will be held at local offices until it can be delivered.
Residents have reported posties refusing to attend their address due to the ferocious nature of the birds.
One woman told CornwallLive: 'The ones on my roof and and the row behind are the main culprits but the whole street won't be getting regular post. Same with collections - I booked and paid for a parcel to be collected and they wouldn't come.'
It's not the first time that Liskeard locals have faced the problem - Royal Mail also apologised last year for delays caused by nesting seagulls in the town.
And they are so notorious that Liskeard Town Council has an entire web page devoted to tips to avoid angering the birds.
Sent from the Royal Mail's USO (Universal Service Obligation) and Customer Experience department, said: 'As you may be aware we are again experiencing some difficulties safely delivering to you and your neighbours due to seagulls in the area swooping at delivery staff in order to protect their young.
'The purpose of this letter is firstly 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 below, where it will be held securely until we can attempt delivery again the following day.'
The letter said the Royal Mail appreciates that it 'may not be ideal' for residents.
It also states people have been offered 'alternative arrangements', which includes mail being held in an office named within the letter - until they can pick it up again - and another 'alternative address' away from the gulls.
The letter added: 'Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience this may cause, but whilst Royal Mail is committed to providing a consistent daily delivery to addresses, we do place the highest priority on the safety of our employees.'
The situation will be 'monitored on a daily basis'.
The issue left some locals bemused.
One said: 'Royal Mail will soon be providing safety helmets.'
Another said: 'These birds are so terrible for being so protective of their young. Something has got to be done about these birds to stop them attacking humans.'
Another local said: 'What's wrong with people? Just wear a bl**dy hat!'
Nesting season for seagulls is from April to July, according to the RSPB, with people advised to use an umbrella to deter the birds when entering or leaving their homes.
It's not just post that the birds are interfering with - one local woman told how her carers were struggling to visit her elderly father due to seagulls nesting in his front yard.
Writing on Facebook, she said: 'I know seagulls are protected but can anything be done regarding my dad's situation?
'Carers are struggling to get in and Boots couldn't deliver his tablets. It's not easy running with shopping down the stairs either when they are swooping.'
Unfortunately there is little anyone who has the gulls on their properties can do. It is a criminal offence to damage, disturb or destroy a seagull nest - so locals must just wait it out until any chicks are fledged.