AS a former Penryn resident, now living in Bristol, I have read with interest the proposals put forward in relation to Falmouth's seagull "menace." Indeed, after being assailed by gulls while eating lunch on Custom House Quay during a recent visit to the town, I have spent some time considering the problem myself.

Although not adverse to the notion of a cull, I can't help feeling that more basic and less expensive steps should be taken first. Your publication recently mentioned, for example, that there are signs in the town warning the public not to feed the gulls. As I have never seen one of these on any of my visits home, I can only assume that they are not highly visible or are distributed ineffectively.

I enclose a recent photograph I took on Bristol's waterfront, which shows the city council's efforts to limit their (much smaller) seagull and pigeon problem. These signs are located at regular intervals along the historic dockyard and as a result of their bright colour and placement in close proximity to food outlets, they cannot fail to be seen by the public. I would suggest that the fine risked by anyone choosing to ignore the warning is enough to dissuade most from encouraging what I call the "flying rats."

The introduction of similar notices to Falmouth's seafront, beaches, harbour, pier and parks would at least go some way to resolving the current situation. Perhaps making an example of people caught feeding the gulls next summer would also be an effective bit of pr!

In conjunction with better waste management and well-covered litter bins, these measures would surely result in the need for a cull being significantly reduced. I can't help feeling that some socks need to be pulled up and a resolution reached. Falmouth, as a seaside town, should be leading the way in solving what is predominantly a seaside problem, not following in the wake of big city initiatives.

S Jordan, Bristol