SIR – Along with thousands of others, my heart goes out to the family and friends of Worcester teenager Sean Stevens, and their tribute paid to him at the spot where he died sounded very moving (“Poignant tribute to beloved teenager”, April 6).

However, could I please appeal to people to think twice before releasing balloons in memory of loved ones or as part of celebrations or charity events.

Fragments of the balloons or, in some cases, whole, deflated balloons, can be eaten by animals, causing death and suffering, and birds and other animals can become entangled in string attached to the balloons.

The RSPCA, the Marine Conservation Society, the RSPB, the National Farmers Union, various Wildlife Trusts and many others are in opposition to balloon releases, because of the risk of harm to wildlife and farmed animals that they pose.

GEORGE RICHARDSON

Malvern

Mockery of doctors’ oath

SIR – Junior doctors defying the BMA’s strike and refusal to cover emergencies are to be commended. The latest figures show the support for action is slowly crumbling and that is hopefully the beginning of the end of this harmful episode.

This strike is primarily about extra pay for working unsocial hours on a Saturday and the government has an extremely strong case for the new contract and for the argument that hospitals on a weekend should provide the same services as at any other time. The figures for deaths in hospitals at the weekend prove that a different basis for cover is essential. Junior doctors signed the Hippocratic oath and their actions now make a hypocritical mockery of that oath. They agreed to the following: “I remain a member of society with a special obligation to all my fellow human beings. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling.”

The junior doctors’ grubby search after pay supplements on Saturdays makes a mockery of this oath. Hopefully, even more will now recognise the futility of their actions and increasingly vote with their feet – back to looking after their fellow human beings.

PETER VAUGHAN

Lower Broadheath

Foreign aid is being abused

SIR – Our government’s obsession with foreign aid must stop. Part of our national wealth is going towards funding terrorists and all other manner of undesirables.

If we are to continue donating £12 billion each year, the least we can expect is that it goes to who deserve or need it.

This is a complete failure by our leaders, to allow this to continue.

WE the plebs of society have known for yonks that this is being abused.

David Cameron and his elite followers can no longer justify giving away blank cheques to anyone whom requests one.

With all that needs putting right here, on these shores for OUR tax paying citizens, the £12 billion we could save by stopping foreign aid, and the £8 billion with leaving the EU, we can do it.

Then and only then should we look to give aid, but only to those that really need it.

GB DIPPER

Leominster

PCC hopeful’s qualifications

SIR – As an avid Worcester News reader I was delighted to read a recent letter from C Darke who had received my newsletter but was enquiring about my background and qualification for the role of Police and Crime Commissioner. I was educated in Bromsgrove to A-level standard, then received a BSc (Hons) from Liverpool John Moores University in business information systems.

I have worked in my family electronics firm and in the High Security Prison system in intelligence. I have served as a councillor since 2004 including as leader of Wyre Forest for seven years. I served as the finance chairman of the former Police Authority for four years and I have been at the heart of Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet for the last five years. I have a track record of standing up for the community I serve and delivering on my promises.

JOHN CAMPION

The Conservative Candidate for West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner

Criticism of safari park

SIR – Readers may have been interested in the news that a baby rhino has been born at West Midland Safari Park (“Ailsa has 67.5kg baby”, Worcester News, April 2).

However, they need to be aware that the safari park has been severely criticised by the Captive Animals’ Protection Society (Caps) and other animal welfare organisations for frequently hosting large firework displays that terrify the animals there, as well as for sending rare lion cubs to a Japanese circus.

CAPS have called on members of the public to “vote with their feet” against the safari park’s irresponsible behaviour by not going there and to support conservation in the animals’ natural environment instead of visiting zoos and safari parks.

Jane Hargreaves

Stourport