ALMOST 40 years ago, when my eldest son was a toddler and we all lived in a more tolerant society, I used to take him to Kings Square to feed the pigeons, of which there were many more than there are now.

The delight on his face as they alighted on the pushchair to be fed was priceless. I did not think of myself as the misguided individual that Jason Raynor thinks I am (Letters, July 1). Nor do I now.

How misguided can you be to choose to eat your lunch in a place that has always been noted for pigeons?

Far be it from me to dictate to Mr Raynor where he should eat his organic lunch, but just a short distance away are the Merchant Adventurers' Hall gardens, which are virtually pigeon-free. However, he may encounter a few geese and ducks to upset his appetite.

I am delighted to know he is a vegetarian. At least he won't be lunching on pigeon pie.

Mrs W Carter,

Marston Crescent,

Acomb, York.

...REGARDING the pigeon question, a major cull of these filthy creatures is long overdue.

So far no one has mentioned those 'rats with bushy tails', the grey squirrels. They arrived on our shores from North America and, true to tradition, proceeded to wipe out our native red squirrels, which are now confined to small reservations in Scotland and Cumbria.

In the name of democracy and justice, it is about time we fought back and rid ourselves of this grey menace so that our red brothers may once again prosper.

As for those damned geese, covering our footpaths with droppings, the things breed like rabbits and, on more than one occasion, have stopped traffic as they saunter across our roads. They have to go!

I blame the council. Does anyone know if these birds are edible?

Charlie Stone,

Millfield Road,

York.

...I PRESUME that Heather Causnett's letter 'I love those pigeons' (June 22) was a wind-up. If not, then she obviously doesn't have to clean her own house windows and doors, garage windows and doors and paths which become frequently splattered with bird droppings. Not to mention washing that is hanging out to dry.

Several times a day, food is put out for the birds by well-meaning people in our neighbourhood; little do they realise, or perhaps they don't care, how much nuisance is caused to nearby households.

Surely most people know by now that pigeons are vermin. Not only that but the food put out for them attracts other messy, noisy birds that don't belong in towns or cities.

Crows, seagulls, collared doves, magpies, and large flocks of starlings - all squawking, hooting and messing on everyone's property.

So please, bird lovers, remember that your kindness could be killing good neighbour relations.

T Mbebwei,

Fulford Road,

York.

Updated: 10:11 Tuesday, July 06, 2004