I AM writing regarding the situation concerning the pair of Swans in Gheluvelt Park following the recent vandalism to the nest and hatching eggs.

It was a horrendous and senseless act. As a volunteer from Bishop's Wood Rescue Centre I was called in to remove the dead cygnets and rubbish from the nesting area. I have, since then, spoken to a number of people who feel the swans should be moved to a safer place.

Mrs Janet Wells wrote a letter suggesting this (You Say, May 27) and so I would like to make several points clear.

It is completely illegal to catch and move healthy swans, so any rescuers doing so would be liable for prosecution.

The swans would be distressed if moved. They are very faithful to their territories, even if they seem totally unsuitable to us.

Swans can not be kept in captivity and all sick, injured or orphaned swans must be released as soon as they are fit. They could not be moved to a sanctuary and kept as domestic pets. Wing clipping is also illegal, and would stop them being able to escape from more stronger aggressive swans, as well as predators such as dogs and foxes.

If one of the pair grew its feathers back before the other it would try and fly back. If in strange areas it would be likely to become separated from its mate and more prone to flying accidents.

Finally, due to the numbers of swans in the area, if the pair were removed from the park another pair would soon move in and we would be back to exactly the same situation as before.

It is a sad and upsetting problem. But moving the swans will not solve it.

EDWARD BIRD,

Worcester.