Sir, What a pity that Clive Aslet does not appreciate the seagull population of Ramsgate (Thunderer, August 29). Contrary to his belief, the population is falling because fewer seagull chicks were hatched this summer — possibly the result of the heatwave and of pollution.
These graceful birds need to be protected, not culled. Ramsgate, indeed, is an example of tolerance and appreciation. We are used to these birds in our midst, since the smoothing of cliff faces to prevent weather damage has destroyed their nesting sites and forced them inland.
Most Ramsgate people enjoy the gulls and their evocative cries, and problems such as rubbish bag invasion occur only when refuse is improperly stored. I hope that Mr Aslet’s suggestion of culling was meant entirely tongue in cheek. Seagulls are an integral part of Ramsgate.
GILLAN HARRIS
Ramsgate