Culling seagulls should be the last resort in tackling the blight they cause to coastal towns, Workington MP Sue Hayman has said.

Mrs Hayman, who is Shadow Minister for Coastal Communities, took part in a parliamentary debate on the problems cause by gulls in coastal towns and cities and suggested a number of humane solutions.

Speaking in parliament, she said: “This is a serious health and safety issue.

"Last summer, in Maryport in my constituency, residents were surprised to see a notice come through their door saying that their post could not be delivered due to seagulls.

"The Royal Mail in Maryport managed the problem by getting a local falconer, Mike Morrison, to offer up his services and his hawks and successfully scare the gulls off so that the postmen could return and deliver the local mail."

Mrs Hayman backed the RSPB’s position that culling gulls should be a last resort, with non-harmful deterrents a priority, and urged the public not to feed the birds.

She said: “Gulls live for a long time and are intelligent and have good memories, so they have quickly learned that humans are a reliable source of food.

"We need to ensure that food is not just dropped and left—people need to be encouraged not to litter.

"We also need to ensure that there are secure bins or sacks in which food can be disposed of.

“This problem has been going on for an incredibly long time, and although we could have an annual debate, we just need to crack on with tackling it."