A ROW over problem seagulls has got political rivals in a flap.

Jamie Hepburn, MSP for Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, has hit out at news that ­Labour-controlled North ­Lanarkshire Council is to ­install bird ­deterrent spikes at its Motherwell headquarters.

The SNP man said he has repeatedly called on the council to tackle the seagull problem in Cumbernauld, only for the local authority to stick its head in the sand over the issue.

Now Mr Hepburn has slammed the council for what he describes as "shocking double standards" as the spikes are scheduled to be installed near the entrance to the Civic Centre on Friday.

Residents of Cumbernauld have reported that gulls were responsible for damage to property and unacceptable nuisance noise levels.

Some reported aggressive behaviour and even attacks on pets by the birds.

Mr Hepburn said: "This ­announcement will come as a proverbial kick in the teeth of all those who have called for on the council to tackle the gull problem in those parts of Cumbernauld affected.

"To learn now that the council is taking measures to tackle the gull, but only at their own headquarters, will strike many as a shocking double standard.

"It appears the council is only prepared to admit that gulls are a problem when those affected by the gulls are council officials.

"If these measures are ­suitable for protecting the council headquarters then surely they are suitable for protecting the residents and businesses in and around Cumbernauld."

North Lanarkshire Council said the spikes were being installed to tackle pigeons as opposed to gulls.

A spokeswoman said: "The spikes being installed at the entrance to the Civic Centre are to prevent pigeons perching and nesting on the ledges and roof edges and causing a mess, which can cause a public health risk.

"This is a common ­approach to dealing with the problems of pigeons on buildings, but it is not effective for gulls.

"This is a different problem and solution from the issue of gulls in Carbrain, which the council has corresponded with Mr Hepburn on previously."

Council buildings in Glasgow are protected by bird deterrent spikes and netting.

The City Chambers only has spikes out of view of the famous facade due to restrictions brought about by its A-listed status.

A bird of prey has also been used to scare off gulls from buildings around the city.