KITTIWAKES are posing a new headache for householders living near Scarborough Harbour, aggravating the the problems already caused by herring nesting gulls.

Stephen Oldridge, Scarborough Borough Council's director of environmental health, said in a report that kittiwakes, like the herring gulls, are protected by law.

The council has been banned from using stupefied bait to reduce gull populations since a public outcry resulted in a change of Government policy.

Mr Oldridge said: "Attempts to control the populations through clearance of nests and eggs has proved relatively ineffective".

Leading harbourside trader Mavis Clayton said: "The gulls can be very dangerous and even dive on holidaymakers, especially if they are eating.

"They cause extensive pollution to cars, people's clothing and washing lines. Something has to be done."

Latest figures show there are just over 1,600 gulls living around the harbourside, many of which have made their nests in house chimneys. Householders say they peck out plaster from between the bricks causing potential serious damage.