RESIDENTS annoyed by seagulls are being urged to take a more understanding view of what wildlife campaigners say are the most ‘misunderstood of creatures’.

Urging people to give urban gulls ‘love not chips’, the RSPB and RSPCA are offering practical advice to address the problems that sometimes occur.

It comes after a campaign was launched in Weymouth to try and cut down on litter which attracts gulls, and remind locals and visitors to not feed the ‘flying chip thieves’.

Morwenna Alldis, spokesman for RSPB South West, said: “Personally I love gulls – I like a bird with a bit of personality and gulls have that in spades.

"They’re bombastic, cheeky, incredibly adaptable, opportunistic, and intelligent.

"However, our urban gull is often misunderstood. We need to change the way we behave around gulls and try to live harmoniously alongside them.”

Campaigners say gulls often come under attack from people annoyed by their behaviour. Their nests, which are protected by law, also become a target.

The RSPB says one of the main issues people have with gulls is linked to the birds' nesting behaviour.

May to July is prime gull nesting season and the birds can be quite noisy while also being protective and proactive parents.

The other main area of concern for people is the way some of the birds feed, but much of the problem is of human origin.

Ms Alldis said: “For years many people have openly fed gulls from their own hands. Many still leave bin bags of ripe-smelling food waste on the pavement. And with the discarded curry containers, soggy burger buns and half eaten kebabs scattering the street outside many local takeaways – it’s little wonder that gulls see us as their free meal ticket.

“Humans have inadvertently taught gulls that our food is their food. We must all stop feeding gulls both in inland and seaside towns and in our gardens if we want to recondition their current behaviour.”

The RSPB offers these tips for a happy gull-human cohabitation:

Do not feed gulls – either intentionally or accidentally

Dispose of all rubbish properly by putting rubbish out in gull-proof containers and not until the day of collection

Do not litter, and ensure any litter, especially edible litter from fast food outlets, is promptly removed from streets