Signs warning people not to throw bread into the Memorial Park lake are needed to stop killer seagulls swooping on defenceless ducklings, it has been claimed.

Residents who visit the pond to feed the ducks have seen the predatory gulls attacking ducklings to get at the bread thrown to them.

They are now calling for notices to be installed at the site warning of the dangers dropping crusts in the lake poses to ducks.

Town councillor Andrew Cook (Con) said: “It is that time of year where people are asking if it is kids throwing stones or foxes killing the ducklings, but it is actually the seagulls.

“I think we should have notices up saying ‘do not feed the seagulls’ with a statement saying how bread is unhealthy for the ducks.

“Putting bread in the pond creates all sorts of problems for the ducks and the pond itself.

“People should put bird seed on the banks for the ducks instead.”

Cllr Cook, who represents the Heron ward, said he would like to see signs similar to those on show at Mote Park in Maidstone.

He added: “People do not realise that by throwing bread in the lake, all of the seagulls come in.

“I would never say to anyone that kids can’t throw a bit of bread in, but it’s about education.

“It’s an education process, and if you want to do it right you need to take some bird seed with you.”

Wildlife experts also recommend defrosted frozen peas and unseeded grapes cut in half as alternatives to feeding the ducks bread.

City council spokesman Rob Davies said the authority would consider the request for signage.

He said: “It is now widely accepted that bread is not good for ducks and we would encourage people not to feed this to them.

“We will consider putting up a sign.

“However, it can only be advisory because we have no powers to enforce this.”