A bird expert at the centre of a row about culling gulls today denied it would be illegal to smother their eggs in oil.

Guy Merchant hit back at an RSPB warning to Church Garden Residents' Association in Rustington that they would be liable to prosecution if they went ahead with egg-oiling to curb herring gulls.

Mr Merchant said he had no doubt whatsoever that the residents would be granted a licence to treat the eggs.

Mr Merchant, director of Pigeon Control Advisory Service, a charity which advises local authorities and businesses on bird control systems, said: "Oiling eggs is only illegal if the person concerned is not in possession of a licence."

PICAS has recommended that the residents' association applies for a licence to oil eggs on the estate in an effort to control more than 40 nesting pairs of gulls.

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is illegal to intentionally kill herring gulls, which are in decline in the UK, or to destroy an active nest's contents.

General licences can be granted to allow control of the gulls but only in specific circumstances - for the prevention of damage to agriculture, for public health or air safety, or to conserve wild birds.

Mr Merchant said: "The RSPB claimed the residents would not get a licence on the grounds of the birds being a nuisance.

"But in every case where PICAS has advised a client to apply for a licence, a licence has been granted immediately.

"I have absolutely no doubt the Rustington residents would be granted a license to oil the eggs.

"When you have a herring gull with a 3ft wingspan swooping at a pensioner who is unsteady on her feet, that person is more than likely going to fall and injure herself.

"There is excrement everywhere which people may slip on, and chicken bones, spare ribs and fast food scattered on the rooftops. The noise is horrific. There are genuine health and safety concerns."