I've spent a fair bit of time in brighton and its even worse down there. I think maybe the problem is that people feed them too much or there are half finished fish and chip trays lying across the beach for them to pick at.

Gulls are very territorial, perhaps they grew in such numbers that they had to move inland rather than fight for space in brighton and claim it as their own. I was in london this summer and was surpsied to see them circling kings cross station, they know where the food is and dont mind taking a trip inland to get at it. not sure theres much the coucil can do as they are not classed as pests, other than keep the streets cleaner to try and discourage them from being here.

hey, I love seagulls they remind me of when I used to visit the coast as a kid.

Sometimes they can get a bit noisy but I really dont see them as that much of a problem.  As long as you dont feed tme they wont come back looking for more