I have been intrigued by the debate on seagulls. Having seen them snatch food while on the wing from people's hands, I know what a nuisance they can be.

However, instead of costly and, for some, distasteful culling programmes surely there are other ways of dealing with the problem?

They thrive on the food waste we chuck out on the street, whether it is in bags or not.

If we were more careful about what and how we throw things away, they would have less to eat and would not breed so rampantly.

I would also urge Brighton and Hove City Council to look at food waste collections as part of its recycling programme to help resolve this issue.

-Alison Walters, Hove