100% this. Perhaps they should retain their protected status - but only up to two or three miles from the coast. Then we'd still have seagulls when we go to the seaside (which is as it should be) and the sky-rats could be eliminated elsewhere.
Which part of the midlands did you live in - and how long ago? There are plenty of seagulls all over the ruddy place now. They're OK at the seaside - but inland they're a pest.