An algae-ridden Angus beauty spot is now being blighted by seagulls, it has been claimed.
Keptie Pond in Arbroath attracts complaints from local residents every year due to a covering of unsightly green slime.
However, it appears “dive bombing” birds are now adding to the area’s woes.
People dropping litter and throwing too much food to the ducks are being blamed for an increase in gulls at the pond.
Angus Council cleans the area on a regular basis and provides bins, with signs warning people not to feed the seagulls also in place.
Local woman Jacki Gill took to a community web page to vent her frustration at the situation.
She said: “Yet another trip to Keptie Pond spoiled because of the gulls. It gets worse every time I go. Something has to be done about these vermin.”
Angie Faye posted: “The problem is not necessarily the gulls, it is the humans who feed them.
“I live right near the sea … and have very few because all of the families who reside there are intelligent enough not to feed or encourage them.”
The council has warned people using the pond and surrounding area that gulls will flock to any food or litter left behind after their day out.
A spokesman said: “It is important to be aware that gulls are attracted to areas where food is plentiful.
“Gulls are also opportunistic and will scavenge waste bins and look for food from the public.
“Gulls have been a problem for a number of years in Arbroath but they are protected by law and therefore any control measures put in place by the council have to be proportionate.
“The council recognises the problem, however, and provides a nest/egg removal service to try and reduce seagull numbers humanely and uses hawks/falcons and other disturbance measures to try and persuade some of them to move out of town.
“This is a long-term project, however, as there is no immediate solution to the problem.”