On a recent evening, walking near my house, I noticed a very young seagull picking at something that had spilled from a black bag on the pavement.

As I approached, there was a loud, squawking alarm call behind me and a parent gull dive-bombed my head.

I broke into a run as it swooped for a second run, tapping me hard on the top of my head as it passed. I raced round the corner and the bird lost interest after some more angry cries.

I was shocked but had to admire the parent's protective interest. I would probably be just as protective if I perceived my child was in danger.

However, I am angry at whoever left a bag of tempting food leftovers on the pavements on a Thursday evening when our rubbish is not collected until Tuesday (and our binmen collect regularly).

Surely, with more thought and respect, we can all live more comfortably and safely in this city.

-Rosemary Turner, Bear Road, Brighton