SIR – Whenever wild animals or birds trouble us humans, there follows the inevitable cries of ‘cull them’. Every summer millions of people flock to the coast where many gulls live.

Despite warning notices, some visitors insist on feeding them, while others seem to find it impossible to place their leftovers in a bin.

The holiday period coincides with the birds’ breeding season and, being fierce defenders of their offspring, the birds will occasionally be aggressive – for a few weeks a year – to those they consider too close to their nests or young.

The fact is, there are simple, inexpensive and non-lethal methods that can be used to deter birds from nesting on flat roofs or chimneys, or from rummaging in our rubbish – we have free fact sheets available on deterring gulls and a number of other species.Otherwise we should show tolerance through the breeding season – they are just being good parents, and six of the seven gull species are in decline. Numbers of coastal gull species are dropping partly because we humans are stealing their fish. It would be a shame if we slaughtered them because they steal a few of our chips!

JOHN BRYANT

Wildlife Consultant

Tonbridge

 

People no longer care in our society

Sir – (In regard to 999 calls about a squirrel) Maybe the person who called the police was mistaken but at least they cared in this Godforsaken country that is something of a rarity.

People no longer care about anything other than themselves.

I wonder if the police will publish a list of important calls they failed to respond to quickly if at all.

PAUL CHANDLER Worcester No one overseas should be interfering SIR – I read from John Petley of the Campaign for an Independent Britain about a letter sent by Lord Stoddart of Swindon (Independent Labour) to Baroness Angley of St John’s’ Minister at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

He asks whether he may assume that the Government will be making representations to President Obama in relation to yet another statement from him urging the UK to stay in the EU. He believes that his interventions are improper and a gross interference in British politics that is widely resented. They also do nothing to dispel the impression that the UK is the USA’s poodle in Europe.

Baroness Angley said “the decision in the referendum will be one for British voters to make and that the Government will make it as clear as necessary in discussions with with foreign leaders and EU officials”.

Nobody’s poodle whether transatlantic or continental, I hope.

WENDY HANDS U

pton-upon-Severn

Some explanation of Latin please, Mr P

SIR – As a conclusion of proof would Mr J Phillpott explain the Latin in his article The Changing of the Times.

As a plebeian from one of the three areas mentioned, albeit my area is mentioned in the Magna Carta (more Latin) sealed by, not signed, King John 1199-1216, entombed along with Prince Arthur in our cathedral.

Only having Secondary School education, the three Rs were paramount and talk of Uni light years away.

Now I go back to the tomes Thoughts of Bertrand Russell and The Economics of Karl Marx, I use them as two door stops in the lounge!

MR J BADGER

Worcester

 

Fantastic performance by young singers

SIR – May I pass my hearty congratulations to the amazing singers from Worcester on Stage’s Youth Section for their fantastic performance outside the Guildhall on Saturday. They sounded incredible and many members of the public stopped to comment on just how excellent the performance was. It was just a small selection from their upcoming production of Little Shop of Horrors, which is on at the John Moore Theatre from August 25-29.

They really are a tremendously talented group and I would suggest that your readers all make an effort to go along and enjoy this new addition to Worcester’s musical scene. Tickets are very reasonably priced, too!

ALAN FEENEY

Worcester

Disappointed in link with racing event

SIR – I’m a big fan of the Severn Valley Railway and appreciate the importance of raising funds to safeguard its long-term future.

However, I think it is very sad that the SVR chose to do this by means of a raceday at Worcester Racecourse (“Raceday nets £35,000 for railway trust”, July 30).

Thirty-two horses have died or been put to death at Worcester Racecourse in the past five years, after suffering appalling injuries, and last year the course proved to be the third most dangerous for horses in the country, with eight killed there.

Nationwide, hundreds of horses lose their lives on racecourses every year and many thousands are slaughtered annually in the UK and Ireland, after failing to make the grade as racers or when their racing days are over. Not something anyone should be supporting, let alone a respectable institution such as the Severn Valley Railway.

I love steam trains, but I still recognise that the welfare of living, feeling creatures is far more important than metal machinery, and those who run the SVR should understand that, too.

JANE HARGREAVES

Stourport

That ‘can do’ attitude needs to continue

SIR – As the chief executive of national charity the British Polio Fellowship, my calls for greater disability awareness were answered in a small way, by National Disability Awareness Day, held in Warrington recently.

We’ve made lots of progress this year, but the overall landscape of disability awareness and accessibility remains dismal.

However what stood out at this year’s National Disability Awareness day was the prevailing ‘can do’ attitude, and promotion for independent living, which gave the event a very positive and forward-looking energy.

With an apparent £212 billion in untapped ‘Purple Pound’ spend, business owners across the country could take some inspiration from Disability Awareness Day.

By implementing small changes, such as increasing menu font size, or ensuring adequate disabled parking is available, there’s great profit potential – as well as helping support independent living.

A true win-win for all.

TED HILL

Chief executive, the British Polio Fellowship