IF they were human they probably would have been given an ASBO by now for their noisy squabbling, vandalism, littering and attacks.

But now Aberdeenshire Council has decided to take action over raucous seagulls - declaring war on the winged pests.

The local authority has announced a five-year plan to tackle the problems caused by the gulls, some of which have been attacking people for food in town centres.

Part of the long-term project includes the publication of the "Seagull Survivor's Guide" which offers residents information and advice on what can be done about the issue.

Locals are being advised to stop feeding the birds and dropping scraps for them, remove nests from their properties, erect deterrents to stop the gulls from nesting and seek specialist help to pierce eggs and prevent hatching.

Chairman of Aberdeenshire Council's Infrastructure Services Committee (ISC), Peter Argyle, said: "Life in town is easy for the birds: some people deliberately feed them and discarded food provides a feast. Our roofs are warm and chimneys provide shelter.

"The best approach is to take action to deter nesting, but the Council has no legal powers to force owners to carry out preventative works nor to undertake treatment during nesting.

"We are reliant on the cooperation of owners and occupiers to firstly recognise the issue and then to take appropriate steps as early as possible."

The plan, which focuses on deterrents, preventative measures and nest and egg removal, was drawn up jointly by different council departments including environmental health, property, housing and waste.

However, officials say they do no advocate the killing or culling of gulls or their young.

ISC vice chair, Alan S. Buchan, said: "It will not be easy to change some behaviour, such as littering and feeding gulls, or to persuade landlords and property owners they should spend money to tackle the birds.

"The Council has limited financial resources available to deal with this issue but it will provide advice and support wherever possible and is keen to work alongside communities."

The council has a contract arrangement with Pro-Check Environmental Services (Northern) Ltd who will carry out works to deter problem gulls nesting on domestic, commercial and industrial buildings.

It has negotiated rates with the firm, which can carry out nest and egg removal, for Aberdeenshire residents.

In 2007, one crafty seagull in Aberdeen city centre hit the headlines for its unique way of getting food - shoplifting.

The bird, nicknamed Sam, was caught on camera wandering into a newsagents and helping itself to a bag of cheese Doritos.

Once outside, the crisps were ripped open and the seagull was joined by other birds.

Sam became a regular at the shop and grew so popular that people began to buy the crisps for him.