Lowestoft prides itself on its kittiwake population and has created special homes and even coastal 'hotels' for them.

But now a kittiwake conflict has broken out after hundreds of the birds have returned to their usual nests in the town.

From purpose-built ledges on a BT building and other places, the town's feathered friends are causing a stir again with their mess and noise, with some people even saying they act as "hooligans".

Shopkeepers are having to spend hours cleaning up bird droppings and pavements are spattered with mounds of mess.

The mess made by Kittiwakes on a shop canopy in Lowestoft. (Image: Denise Bradley)

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One shop owner on the high street said his team can spend up to two hours each day cleaning the mess left by the kittiwakes on his windows and canopy.

Mr Vino, of V & A stores, said: "It stinks and it's making a big mess - a few customers came into the shop last week and complained about the smell”.

Shirley and Christopher Wyartt, visiting Lowestoft from Ipswich, said they had noticed the mess around town and called it an "eyesore".

Mrs Wyartt said: "It is just left on the ground - it is an eyesore".

Shirley and Christopher Wyartt in Lowestoft. (Image: Denise Bradley)

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