THEY wake us up in the morning with their ear-piercing screams; they prey on our newly washed cars and target us from on high. The herring gull, (larus argentatus) is becoming the latest predator in the town centre.

THEY wake us up in the morning with their ear-piercing screams; they prey on our newly washed cars and target us from on high. The herring gull, (larus argentatus) is becoming the latest predator in the town centre. We have suffered the feral pigeons for a long time but I think the possible influx of the gulls could be a much more serious problem if allowed to continue and grow.

The reason for that remark is that the gulls frequent landfill sites and rubbish dumps in large numbers and that could be detrimental to our health should any contact be made. A cafe in the town centre is advising its outside diners to beware of the seagulls trying to steal their food!

Seagulls are usually apprehensive when in close proximity to humans but they seem to be getting over this, maybe because of their menacing attitude and size compared to the pigeons.

People, especially children, are not particularly worried about the presence of pigeons but are not so brave when a two-foot long bird with a four-inch beak is staring at them.

JOHN CLARKE

Coltsfoot Close

Lowestoft