David Potter, of Teignmouth, writes:

There are more and more seagulls in Teignmouth each yar. There are an increasing number of nests in the area adjoining the Back Beach and possibly elsewhere.

There are probably a grated number of seagulls in Teign View Place than residents.

In the last ten year or so, the seagulls have largely lost their fear of man and have become more aggressive, causing fear and apprehension to people. They cause mess as they defecate over roadways, cars, houses, garden plants, washing and pedestrtians.

I personally have been 'attacked' when leaving my back door – a nest on a nearby roof being the reason – and similarly when working on the roof of Douglas House. There have been numerous cases of children and adults being frighteneed and shocked by the gulls swooping down unexpectedly and snatching ice creams, sandwiches etc out of their hands.

The seagulls should be encourabged to return to their native habitat, to nest on the cliffs and not in the town.

This could be achieved by means of a simply bylaw that owners should not be allowed to permit nests on their property, in the same way as advertising and other nuisances are controlled.

To destroy nests, if not the birds, before young are hatched, I believe is legal and I request our elected representatives to take steps to ensure the relevant authorities take the necessary action in the interests of public health and safety.THIS AND OTHER LETTERS IN OUR ONLINE EDITION