The Department of the Environment is continuing with its strategy to remove the Barbary Macaques frequenting urban ‘hot spots’, through the use of noisemakers. The method was successful some months back, but it is essential to periodically repeat this.

Noise-makers will cause loud ‘banging’ noises in the areas of Laguna Estate, Trafalgar and Gardiner’s Road. The operation will commence today and will run for a period of two or three weeks. Further information of any expansion of ‘hot spots’, which may be tackled with firecrackers, is to be issued shortly.

A Government statement noted that the administration is ‘fully committed to ensuring that our Macaques no longer cause any further issues to the general public and is confident that this Barbary Macaque Management Plan will result with the desired positive effect. The public is reminded that feeding the macaques is a criminal offence punishable with a maximum fine of £4000 since this activity encourages the Macaques to roam outside the Gibraltar Nature Reserve.’

Further information can be received from the Feedback Centre on telephone number 200 65964.