THE seagull population on the Yorkshire coast which has caused headaches to householders for years, is on the increase according to experts.

Scarborough Borough Council which for several years used stupefying bait to cull the number of gulls, until the then Ministry of Agriculture refused to grant licences following public protests of gulls dying in the street, is now removing nests and eggs

Tony Fenter, senior environmental health officer, said it was the only alternative they had.

Latest figures show there are nearly 1,800 herring gulls nesting on roof tops in Scarborough, compared with just 366 when the council took its first action in 1977 he said.

"The rising numbers are a real problem because of the mess which the gulls make and the damage they cause to property. They can also be dangerous if they feel they are threatened."

The council has received numerous reports over the years of people actually being attacked in the street by swooping gulls, and of the birds pecking out the cement between brick-work, especially chimneys.

Mr Fenter said householders are being encouraged to inform the council when birds nest on their roofs and to seek advice on proofing their properties against the gulls.