The Hells Angels gang is appealing to the High Court to have Whanganui's ban on gang insignia struck down.

Whanganui Mayor Michael Laws, says the application has been made by Auckland-based gang member Philip Schubert and was lodged by lawyers Lane Neave of Christchurch. He describes the move as the last desperate roll of the dice.

The news comes on the same day Whanganui police have reported less gang presence and lower levels of intimidation since the introduction of the ban.