I FEEL I must comment on the Cookley peacocks and the adverse press pertaining to these birds since the story appeared in the Shuttle/Times & News.

Media mania has hit Cookley, and in spite of anything the residents, in whose gardens the birds spend most of their time, say, the reported comments are always negative.

I am one of the residents who asked Chris Nicholls if he could find a home for the birds and suggested Bodenham Arboretum.

Successful breeding is the only crime for which these birds can be accused. Two or three are a wonderful asset, but 14 are about 11 too many.

They birds are not marauding vandals. The damage caused is simply because they are large and numerous.

As a result of their weight and numbers, plants are broken, ridge tiles loosened, roof tiles caused to slip, and steps, drives and house porches are liberally "limed".

For the birds' own safety they need a home.

Because of their numbers they are roaming further afield to find food. Often they are on the main road in Cookley and could cause an accident, or be maimed or killed themselves.

An adverse effect of all the negative press could be that, should the birds go to the arboretum, potential visitors could be "put off", believing they might be attacked by these "rogue" birds.

Please help us to reduce the hysteria and safely re-home these wonderful birds.

MRS HILDA WARD

Westhead Road

Cookley