I am as much of an animal/bird lover as the next person, and think people who feed our small birds during the winter months are to be commended, but please will those of you who insist on feeding seagulls stop immediately. We live by the sea. There is an

I am as much of an animal/bird lover as the next person, and think people who feed our small birds during the winter months are to be commended, but please will those of you who insist on feeding seagulls stop immediately. We live by the sea. There is an abundant supply of fresh fish to be had and seagulls are not in danger of starving now, or at any other time, so there really is no need to add to their diet. The trouble is they are extremely clever birds and, once you start to feed them, they will hang around our gardens waiting for their next meal and, during this time, they fly around and leave their mess all over my washing. There are notices all round the town warning the public not to feed the gulls so, please, be considerate to your neighbours, your generosity is misguided; these birds are in no danger of starvation. Let nature take care of its own, and leave my washing pooh-free!Barbara CookBy email