THEY certainly divide opinion don’t they, but whatever you think, seagulls are here to stay.

The inquisitive yet brazen birds are firmly back in the spotlight after an increasing number of quirky pictures of them were posted online, some of which are featured in today’s Argus.

Let’s face it, they are certainly not friendly and sometimes they can be downright scary, especially if they swoop from the sky to snatch a tasty morsel from a pedestrian’s hand.

Are they scared of us? Not from our experience.

They strut along our pavements, often with an evil stare, as if to say “what the hell are you doing invading our space”?

In addition, they are scavengers of the highest calibre and can drop an unwelcome “present”

from the sky, which is either going to land you with at best an expensive laundry bill or at worst having to replace an expensive suit or dress.

But, as is the case with all of our coastal towns, Brighton just wouldn’t be the same without them, would it?

Most people have learn to deal with them and just get on with their daily lives and accept them as part and parcel of our city.

Supporters of Brighton and Hove Albion proudly wear the seagull emblem on their replica shirts having followed the club avidly during their first season in the Premier League, when the threat of relegation was thankfully staved off.

The fact of the matter is they are big and they are beautiful, even if they can also be extremely annoying.

But even if they ruffle a few feathers, they are here to stay.