CLLR Richard Cooke, of Market Street, Dartmouth, writes: M Hartle's views on gulls Chronicle, May 1, need challenging. M Hartle suggests that Dartmouth Town Council is ineffectual and that the BID suggestion to use birds of prey would be an effective option. A short review on the internet of English town councils' actions to the perceived ­problem of gulls shows that none have been successful in the long term, including the use of falcons. Dartmouth Town Council has considered various proposals, some costing thousands of pounds, but has been unconvinced by the evidence for long-term results. Seaside towns attract gulls during the breeding season because of the plentiful food supply provided by unprotected household rubbish sacks and the habit of visitors feeding them chips on the embankment. Individual responsibility in these matters may go some way to reducing the problem, but the gulls are part of our environment.