Some people love them, others loathe them but most have an opinion on them.

Now people are asking, where have all Herne Bay’s seagulls gone?

Leading the questioning is retired ambulanceman Roy Boon, who has been regularly feeding a pair in his garden.

But his feathered friends - some would have a less complimentary description for them - have been conspicious by their absence, leading to suggestions of dark deeds.

“I’ve heard rumours there’s been a cull,” said 71-year-old Mr Boon, of Linden Avenue.

“Something has happened to them. They were always here, always, and I always fed them. Now they’ve gone.

“And I’ve hardly seen any seagulls flying for about six weeks. They’ve completely disappeared. It’s weird, you don’t hear them either.”

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First out the blocks to deny any cull accusation is Rob Davies, spokesman for the city council.

“I am happy to confirm the council has not been involved in any alleged cull of seagulls in Herne Bay or anywhere else,” he said.

So what has happened? Step forward nature expert Peter Gay with one explanation.

This is the time of year, he says, when seagulls are most likely to pack up and venture inland on their annual feeding holidays.

“What happens is a lot of farmers plough up their fields which attracts the gulls as it’s a very good feed,” he explained. “You will see thousands and thousands of them inland. The other day near where I live in Elham it was like a snowstorm there were that many gulls.

“Wind is another factor that affects their movements. Generally speaking, a strong northerly wind will send the gulls inland from Herne Bay.”