PROTESTORS assembled outside the Co-op store in Port Seton on Tuesday, demanding the removal of netting in which two seagulls have died.

In the last year, the Co-op on Links Road has installed netting, resulting in a number of complaints to the company's headquarters. 

In accordance with the RSPB, all species of gull are protected; it is illegal to recklessly injure or kill any gull, or damage or destroy an active nest or its contents.

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Now, a local business owner and residents of the town have taken it upon themselves to protest outside the store until the dead birds and netting are removed. 

Shona Brash, 62, owner of Links Road Garage, spoke to the Courier about her silent protest, which will take place at 1pm every day for 15 minutes. 

Shona, who has lived in Port Seton all her life, said she took great pride in contributing to the community and being a Co-op member. 

Shona Brash, owner of Links Road Garage, has said that she will silently protest until the birds and netting have been removed (Image: Supplied) "We believe that there are two endangered birds that have been hanging from the netting for some time now and that is why I will do my silent protest every day until the netting is taken down", she said. 

"I am a local businesswoman who contributes to the community and actually am a Co-op member, and I did not give permission for this netting to go up. 

"I do believe that Co-op HQ is detached from our community, as Port Seton has always been a bird-loving harbour and seaside town.

"We need these dead birds removed with dignity and the netting as well to prevent this from happening again." 

The birds have unfortunately passed away in the netting on top of the Co-op (Image: Supplied) Cockenzie and Port Seton Community Council released a statement saying: "The Co-op have erected netting on the roof of the building to prevent gulls nesting.

"This is not illegal if done properly and regularly checked and maintained.

"Unfortunately, in this case, gulls have managed to get inside the netting and been entangled to die a slow, lingering death.

"They have been hanging now for many weeks, despite the Co-op being informed, and this situation is clearly in contravention of the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

"The authorities, including the police wildlife officer, have been informed and appropriate action will be taken.

"The community council believe that the netting should be removed to prevent this happening again.

"The netting along the front of the building to prevent sparrows using the space should also be removed."

A Co-op spokesperson said: “We take every care to protect the local wildlife around our stores, and following expert advice, netting was installed at our Port Seton store during the pre-nesting season to encourage the birds to nest elsewhere and allow workers to safely access essential maintenance works on the store’s roof and whilst this was an isolated incident, we will continue to monitor the situation.”